Student Letters
Sabrina Solares, to Samuel Álvarez-García
Although you have only been my teacher this year, you’ve become one of my favorite teachers of all time. I love the way you teach, and I have learned so much from the class and from you—not only class material, but in general. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be your student!
Julin Marcelino-White to Terri Bullock
I’ve been a student of Ms. Bullock’s for years at WJ and spent most, if not all, of my lunches in her classroom. She has always had a welcoming presence and consistently encouraged everyone to do their best, offering a helping hand without hesitation. From small talk about weekend plans, friends and family, school events, etc, to helping me make a decision on where I should go to college; she has always been someone I could count on. I never expected to form such a strong connection with a teacher, but I’m so grateful for the impact she’s had on me. Ms. Bullock is one of the most genuine people and best role models by far at WJ. I’ll never forget the days she showed up to teach, even when sick and you could barely hear her voice, or overwhelmed with her own course load, always putting her students first. Ms. Bullock, thank you for everything—and for inspiring me to choose JMU. From one Duke to another, I appreciate you so much. #GoDukes 💜
Dylan Hager, to Emily Fleisher
Thank you for everything. This year was incredible. I was able to pursue my career goal of General Medicine through my internship all due to your help. I hope you have an incredible summer. Thanks again.
Cristina Simpson, to Katherine Simmons
Ms Simmons,
You have been one of the most influential teachers I had! From being my APUSH teacher to working on Mock Trial together for three years, you’ve helped me grow as a student, gain confidence in public speaking, and overall develop as a person. I will miss you!
Aaron Sandoval, to Samantha Meyer
Thank you Ms. Meyers for being one of the best teachers I had in high school. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and being so accepting of everyone in the classroom. It was great having you for both semesters of the year. Thank you for being so engaged when you teach and when we talk. I’m very glad I was in your class and I will never forget my junior year. I hope to see you around!
Quinn Lapthorn, to Karen Generose
I’d like to thank Ms. Generose, the only teacher I’ve had all four years at WJ. She has been so supportive and considerate, and inspired me to keep learning and progressing in Latin. I could have stopped after two years, but I wanted to continue to learn under her guidance. Thank you Ms. Generose for being such an amazing teacher!! High school wouldn’t have been the same without you!
Mylei Leal, to Daniel Kempner
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being one of my biggest supporters and helping me out through some tough times. No amount of words will ever express how grateful I am to have gotten to know you. You’re one of the craziest, weirdest, yet chill teachers I’ve ever met and it’s gonna be hard saying goodbye so I simply won’t. For now I’ll say “see you around.” From your favorite student (jk jk), Mylei
Kyrylo Pyliavets, to Anne Marie Foerster Luu
Thank you Ms. Luu for teaching us, apart from English, how to be good people in this world. Thank you for all the help you have given me! You are a wonderful teacher!
Pearl Shelton, to Xuhua Liang
Estimada Dra. Liang,
Tener tu cómo mi profesora para el Español 3 y AP fue uno de los partes más importante de todo mi educación secundaria. Soy muy agradecido por tu consideración y atención y apoyo en mi viaje de aprendiendo el Español. Haces los clases tan divertido, y amo los presentaciones y películas que usas para enseñarnos sobre la cultura. Me diste un amor de los lenguajes extranjeros y esta gracias a ti que quiero continuar aprendiendo los en el futuro.
Muchas Gracias,
Pearl Shelton
Caden Jamison, to Ashley Weddle, Stephanie Ellis, Kimberlyn Faulkner, Suzanne Matteson, Irvin Payne
I’d Like to thank all of you for the support that I’ve received from all of you. I wasn’t perfect during this year or the other years before but when you all stepped up for me I felt like I could get past this year and I did it! With the care you’ve all shown me my dreams felt they can be achieved in a short matter of time, and I want to credit all of you on that. With that being said, again thanks.
Your favorite and best senior around, Caden.
Lucas Garcez, to Elaina VanCuran
Hello Mrs. VanCuran, I hope this message finds you well. I’ve never really written a letter in English, I don’t know when this will be sent to you, and I don’t know if I will see you again when you’re reading this or not, but I just want to thank you. You’re the best English teacher I’ve ever had. The way you teach and bond with every single one of the students in the class is really amazing. Your lessons really taught me a lot, and you’re one of the main reasons my English is as good as it is now. But besides English, I really want to thank you as a person. You always cared about me and when I needed, you explained things in many different ways until I got it. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Lucas M.
Skylar Zheng, to Andrea Morris
Dear Ms. Morris,
You were one of the few people I’ve gotten to have a close relationship with these past few years, and truthfully, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Keep making people smile and blessing them with your kind heart. Go Tabby Cat!
Zoey Walters, to Worden
I want to thank Mr. Worden for being both a great teacher and coach. It’s easy to think of his extremely positive impact on my high school experience, but harder to put it into words. He always made me feel like I had a place at this school, whether in class or on a team (shoutout Girl’s Flag Football!).
Teacher Letters
Butch Worden, assistant athletic specialist
We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.
If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always be where you’ve always been.
People laugh at me because I’m different. I laugh at them because they’re all the same.
Kathy Simmons, social studies teacher
Get involved. Find something you are interested in and go to that event or club meeting or lecture. You will meet some awesome new people that way! When you go to class, sit at the front. You are paying money for these classes – make the most of them. Go! Ask questions! If you don’t understand – THAT IS OK. Find out when the professor’s office hours are and ask questions. Again, you are paying a lot of money to get these people to teach you – so take advantage of that! Travel abroad if you can. The USA has a lot of great things going on, but so does most of the rest of the world. Change your perspective about things by traveling and talking to different types of people. Even people you don’t agree with. You will learn from different perspectives, and adjust. Last – come back and visit ! Teachers love to hear about how you are doing. If you find the time, email a favorite teacher you had at WJ. We will miss you!
Alexia Remy, AP Lit teacher
Dear Senior class of 2025:
There are so many things I would love to say to wish you well on this next step in your journey – but I will try to keep it brief and share some things with you that I wish I could have shared with myself when I was graduating.
1. Your past doesn’t define you; every day is an opportunity to make a different choice.
2. True self-esteem is built by doing esteemable acts – live out your values.
3. Take time to write down what’s most important to you, and make sure you show up for those things. Remember that love and appreciation are demonstrated through action.
4. Your grades and achievements are not measures of your worth. You are inherently valuable and loved. Be true to yourself; you’re exactly who you’re meant to be.
5. It’s more important than ever to be able to think for yourself: so keep reading (yes, seriously), exploring, learning, asking questions, and seeking answers. The future really depends on it.
And lastly, remember that you always have a home here at WJ. We are here for you, are rooting for you, and are so proud of you.
Sincerely, Mrs. Remy
