MOUNTAIN VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
STAFF RECOGNITION
MVHS TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Nominated By: Nominee: Excerpt:
Erika M
11th Grade
Miller
Ms. Miller

Ms. Miller is the best math teacher I know. Not only are her teaching methods sound and inclusive of complete class participation but she challenges every new concept or ideas the book presents. She has her own method, we call it the "Miller Method", a whole book- not literally- of all of her tricks and checks that aid students in understanding the concept. Another thing I love about Ms. Miller is her passion for math, she truly loves solving problems and writing tests - which although might not be good for a students grade- it ensures that they will learn in her class. My most memorable moment in Ms. Miller's class would be- it is hard to decide because there are so many- when we as a class proved the quadratic equation. My love for math and desire to learn math is inspired by Ms. Miller I feel as if she is my "Math Mother". Portrayed through her success rate of students passing her class- it seems obvious that Ms. Miller is the BEST math teacher, I know, just come into her classroom during S.O.A.R. for proof.

Erika M
11th Grade
Chumley
Ms. Chumley

Ms. Chumley... Where does one began? I can honestly say the Ms. Chumley has become a great inspiration on my life, providing me with more knowledge about English and language in the past few weeks of school that I would care to know in my lifetime. If you were a student of hers, you would be amazed at how much you learn! My whole perspective of reading and analysis has changed due to her teaching. I use to hate English because I am not a "writer" but in Ms. Chumley's class it is almost like turning a new leaf- anybody can be anything. I feel as if success is guaranteed in her class because of her quality of teaching, her dedication and passion for her job. My Dad always says, if you find a job where you are able to do something you love, you'll never have to work another day in your life and I know that Ms. Chumley does not have to work now as a teacher.

Tawnie A
11th Grade
Cox
Ms. Cox

I think the teacher of the month should be Mrs. Cox because she is the funniest and most awesome teacher I've ever had. She makes learning so much fun and she's just a fantastic teacher. She always puts a smile on my face and she's always happy. SO please make her the teacher of the month because I'm sure many people agree with me! ~ Thanks.

Kaylin L
12th Grade


Ms. Hernley

I would like to nominate Mrs. Hernley for teacher of the month. She has gone above the expectations of any teacher and mentor, changing my high school experience to a positive perspective. Many thanks!

Adam W
Mr. Rothrock

Mr. Rothrock is a really cool teacher, he maintains a teacher to student persona (but on a one to one basis) and he shows that he really cares about his students. He is also very passionate about his teaching and he loves it when we ask incessantly about history. He also incorporates the Socratic debate method of teaching. I love this time, because it doesn't matter if I'm smarter than anyone, it matters whether I voice my opinion about said topic, which is extremely productive when it comes to remembering certain things about history. He knows what he's doing and he is definitely my favorite teacher.

Shealeen C.
9th Grade


Ms. Dai

I would like to put up Ms. Dai. She is my Chinese teacher and she is so cool. She makes learning a really hard language really fun. Thank you.

Melissa H
10th Grade


Mr. Wells

I would like to nominate my English teacher, Mr. Wells because I love his teaching styles, and his personality. He always believes in his students, and has them search for the deeper meanings of things. His lessons are always fun, informational, and somehow always relate to our discussions. He really cares about his students and strives to help them be the best that they can.

Jen D
Ms. Smith
Doreen Smith is hilarious, warm, nice, friendly, outgoing, and made my class a memorable one. I took AP US History my Junior year, and I will never forget her, and I usually try to visit her at least 4 times a week. She makes everything in a book make sense to her students. She is truly talented and deserves some sort of an award for being amazing. She is so relaxed and laid back, which is very nice for students who may be having a rough time in school. I will be completely honest, if it wasn't for Mrs. Smith, I probably wouldn't have made it this far in high school. She is not just a teacher, but she is an amazing woman and such a support line. She is someone you can talk to and who can make you laugh when you need to, but is very compassionate and understanding. She has helped me and my friend through so much that we owe our education to her. It is teachers like Mrs. Smith that understand students, and talk to us, not at us, and make us want to come to school. In fact, I had a friend who was in this class with me, and sometimes school would be too stressful so she would ditch (though she soon learned her lesson and doesn't anymore) all of her classes, but not History. Mrs. Smith is just amazing like that. That's the only word to use, because that's what she is, and everyone who has had her has liked her. She makes learning come to life, when she lectures, you understand what she's saying, it's not just a bunch of words thrown at you. Needless to say, I think you get the point on how magnificent Mrs. Smith is.
Jen D

Ms. Schuster

Heidi Schuster,another truly remarkable woman. Although I have only had her since the beginning of my Senior year, she is simply wonderful. She has this passion for everything she has learned when she went to college, and when she talks about European History, her eyes light up. You know that she is devoted to teaching her students and that she wants us to share the same passion for history as she does. She is so funny and makes the class so much fun. She may not be as organized as Mrs. Smith but that's what we love about her. She is so funky and spontaneous. She is also very understanding and easy going, which is nice for us kids who lead chaotic lives. I have no doubt that with her guidance I will pass the AP exam in May. I would like to say for Mrs. Smith's sake, the only reason I got a 2 on the AP exam in history is because first semester I chose to skip chapters 4-14, not a good decision. This actually presents another point, that both teachers are very understanding and easy going so it may seem like an easy class, but they know just as well as I do now, that if you don't read, you will not pass, and no matter how many times I heard that it took me until last semester to realize the importance of the statement. These teachers let you take your own fate in your own hands, that way come AP testing time, if you don't pass it's because you did something wrong, not the teachers.
Sarah Y
Grade 12

Ms. Schuster

Mrs. Schuster is not only an amazingly vibrant woman but she puts a unique twist on teaching. Her methods are not the usual and her enthusiasm for history is contagious! I looked forward to her class every day last year. She teaches us from her heart and works hard to allow us the chance to succeed!
Sarah Y
Grade 12


Mr. McGuire

Mr. Mac as we call him to awesome! His classroom has a comfortable, welcoming, and accepting atmosphere. He teaches from a student perspective. Not using all these adult terms. He is one of the students in a way and he is NEVER boring. There is always something fun going on in Mr. Mac's class. Mac also allows each student chance to voice their opinion or thought without outside judgment. He is very accepting and his personality is contagious. Its one that not only makes you want to be around him, but also learn. He pretty much rocks!
Sarah Y
Grade 12

Mr. Hitchingham

Mr. Hitchingham~Hitch is seriously the only math teacher I have ever had that makes me want to come to class! Every other year math has been the dreaded subject, but for some reason Hitch's style of teaching works for me. He is not the bland, dull, or boring. His personality is that of young person. He is comical and brings light to the classroom. He is fun and makes learning numbers fun. He has opened my eyes to the positive side of math class.
Sarah Y
Grade 12

Mr. Deets

Wow.... I don't even know where to begin. Mr. Deets class is one that I wish I never had to leave. Mr. Deets has a way with teaching that makes me want to get up in the early morning~for class. He has a presence about him that makes you want to stay and learn. Mr. Deets is very positive and I have never seen him get upset. He takes his time to teach us and makes learning fun. He shows us examples of what he is teaching us either through a game, pictures or a skeleton of the animal. (zoology) His class is not one that I dread. Its one that I thoroughly enjoy and love coming to.
DOUBLE-EAGLE COIN RECOGNITIONS

Mountain Vista High School honors staff members who demonstrate extraordinary or exemplary behaviors in one or many areas of their work. Staff members are nominated by colleagues and coins are awarded based the nominees continuous modeling of the MVHS Mission and Core Values.

Staff Name

Department

Carol

Ayars

Social Studies

Mary

Benz

Foreign Language

Vicki

Brown

Classified

Sheri

Bryant

Tech/Bus

Kevin

Cary

Foreign Language

Kevin Cary Coach of the Year
Ric Cash Coach of the Year

Shirl

Chumley

English

Susan Delgado Classified

Tim

Drey

Art

Angela Driber Art

Susie

Durdy

Classified

Patty

Edwards

Math

Jim

Flanigan

Social Studies

Jim Flanigan Coach of the Year

Jeremy

Goldson

Performing Arts

Laura

Gorman

Classified

Bret

Grammerstorf

Social Studies

Bret Grammerstorf Coach of the Year

Jennifer

Groom

Art

Linda

Hammerton-Morris

Foreign Language

Nicole

Handy

Math

Gretchen

Hazelwood

Math

Whitney

Heffelfinger

Art

Eileen Hernley SSN

Sare

Hurwitz

English

Julie Jacobs Media Specialist

Rhead

Kinder

Tech/Bus

Jamie

Kinder

English

Lucas

Kruse

Math

Jody

Lanterna-Lewis

Science

Debbie

Lytle

Classified

Rhonda

McClain

Classified

Schehera

McKasson

Music

Lori

McMullen

Math

Susie Meredith Classified

Ann

Miller

Math

Dave

Mumper

Administration

Cathy

Mumper

Counseling

Tom

Neal

Custodial

Kathy

Neely

Classified

Sandra

Nesmith

Foreign Language

Brian Nutter Coach of the Year

Meagan

Oberle

English

Tiffiany

Oreskovich

Classified

Trish Pride Administration

Dawn

Ramsey

CRT

Suzanne

Ross

ISS

Katy

Saville

FACS

Heidi

Schuster-Beckman

Social Studies

Jeff

Slaga

Tech/Bus

Doreen

Smith

Social Studies

Staci

Stech

English

Wendy

Strait

Counseling

Tom

Sullivan

Math

Daphne

Tasker

Math

Tim Taylor PE

Rich

Thomas

Math

Ian Wells English

Ruth

Wilson

Art

Rob Wright Performing Arts
Mike Wright Performing Arts

Mark

Wurst

Performing Arts

MOUNTAIN VISTA PROFESSIONALISM AWARD (MVPs)
This award is given to staff members that continuously model professional behavior, is a team player, and connects with students and staff.
Staff Member
Title
Academic Year
Steve Johnson Principal 2002-2003
Carol Ayars Social Studies Teacher 2003-2004
Tom Neal Lead Custodian 2004-2005
Dave Mumper Athletic Director 2005-2006