Seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen have all been in their classes for a full semester now, being able to see and understand the teachers before them and around them. 

Although sitting through lectures, taking tests and writing notes for eight hours every day may be tough for all, students get the chance to see and share laughter, jokes, as well as smiles with their teachers throughout all of it.

In 2020-2022, a popular trend struck the internet: a game called “Who’s Most Likely to?”

Said trend was presented on social media, showcasing friends and family taking part in something fun and lighthearted, sharing laughter and smiles. 

What better way to start off the second semester than by sharing smiles and laughter amongst students and faculty by sharing the school’s fan favorites and their different characteristics.

Diving into the first category, students threw out a plethora of names on who they thought would cheer the loudest at a school event.

A handful of teachers got nominated the same number of times, making their average 8.33%. Science teacher Andrea Higgins, social science teacher Nina Kearns, retired science teacher Scott Turner and health teacher Kyle Finfrock were all a part of that 8.33%. 

Although many students thought of a specific teacher taking home the title of “loudest at a school event,” there was a tie. Both teachers had a total percent average of 66.66%. 

Science teachers Shih Wen and Kevin Listerman both took home the title of “loudest at a school event.” 

“I’m absolutely shocked. I feel that if we are asking our students to bring it, we should also demonstrate that as well. I want to make sure I’m the loudest and proudest that I can be,” Wen said.

Listerman has expressed his pride in the students, shining a bright light on how honored he is to be a teacher. The care and appreciation these teachers express when hearing and speaking about the students is unmatched.

Students got the chance to share a smile when thinking about which teacher would most likely have a secret handshake with another student or teacher within the building.

Some students thought of  English teacher Brady Dowling, as well as Listerman. Dowling and Listerman both had the same percent average of 8.33%. Another teacher, Finfrock, got a few more votes towards his name, making his average 25.00%. However, the majority of students had one teacher in mind; science teacher Matthew Ewald was that teacher, securing the victory for “most likely to have a secret handshake,” making his average 58.33%.

“I am honored to be voted for this by the students. I always hope that my students view me as a normal person first, and their teacher second. I try to be approachable, kind, and respectful with my students. Yes, I am a teacher, but I am also an adult that students can turn to when they need to laugh, share the good things that are happening in their lives, or talk to when they need help.” Ewald said.

Having teachers who are able to care for and support all students can make any school a better place. Now, for what all students want to know, does Ewald have a secret handshake with any student or other teacher?

“I don’t have any specific secret handshakes with any students or teachers, but I have found that something as simple as giving a fist-bump as students leave class can set them up for a great day. With that, I am always open to a secret handshake with anybody,” Ewald said.

Although Ewald currently does not share a handshake with any students or teachers, he is open to the idea.

When discussing the category of which teacher would most likely make a funny voice when reading aloud, there were many small laughs, smiles, as well as many shared answers/opinions.

English teacher Shannon Henson and science teacher Matthew Mickelson both shared a percent average of 16.66%, making them well known for their fun demeanor. 

Although Henson and Mickelson were common names throughout the student body’s mind, one teacher stole the crown. Theatre teacher Claire LaNicca was the most voted teacher out of all, making her average 66.66%.

“I feel great. It is a good reflection of my personality, also very heart-warming that students thought of me. It’s important to remember that life’s an adventure, it’s up to you how you want to experience it. Everyone wants to have fun, laugh and bring joy – so let’s do that. If you can make one person smile, you should seize that opportunity,” LaNicca said.

Now, the ultimate question is, does LaNicca really make a voice when reading aloud?

“Absolutely. It’s much more entertaining for those listening and more enjoyable for me when I read. Again, spread joy whenever you can; throw it around like glitter,” LaNicca said.

One of the most fun and creative categories has to be this last one. Students had many teachers in mind, but as always, one teacher came to the minds of many, especially when thinking about which teacher would randomly break into song and dance.

Students got very creative with their responses. Business teacher Elise Carter, science teacher Del Ehemann, as well as LaNicca, all shared a percent average of 8.33%. A handful of students all had the same teacher in mind, as chorus teacher Chris Eaton got an average of 16.66.

One teacher stood out to the majority, once again, as Shih Wen took the win for most likely to break into song and dance. Wen had a percent average of 66.00%. Wen has expressed his full and honest gratitude for winning this title, showing how much he connects with the students around him. 

Of course, students want to know if Wen truly does break into song and dance.

“Nope, not at all. I am extremely uncoordinated and embrace the fact that I can’t bust a move. Dancing is way out of my comfort zone, but since we ask students to sometimes venture out of their comfort zones, I will try a TikTok dance from time to time just to remind myself it’s all in fun,” Wen said.

Having fun is always important, not only to students but to teachers as well. 

Although school may be a place students dread, there are teachers throughout the building who will push and try their best to have fun, bringing smiles to all faces and making the learning process much more enjoyable.

Giving credit and acknowledgement to all teachers is needed, every teacher has their fun side, a little something to bring joy to the building.