Junior Abi Lemon gives her all in four different sports
by Aubrey Cummings
Four different sports each school year seems impossible. How exactly does one do it?
Junior Abi Lemon does just that and has every year since she started high school. She participates in football, soccer, wrestling, and tennis.
Junior Abi Lemon shows determination during a wrestling meet. In addition to her leadership on the wrestling mat. Lemon also plays football, soccer, and tennis. Submitted photo.
“They are all so different but also help each other in their own way,” she explained.
She doesn’t just participate in these sports, though. She leads in them. She is the person coaches look to for an example. She is also the person her teammates look to when they need help.
Wrestling coach Danny Struck described Lemon as a leader on and off the mat.
“She leads by example. She’s involved in so many things. It’s what leaders do — they get involved. But she doesn’t just participate, she gives them her all.”
Lemon is constantly doing whatever she can to get better in each sport she participates in.
“I am constantly training, whether it’s for one sport or multiple. During soccer I’m also training for football, and when those are over, wrestling begins. And when in tennis I also train with the track team on occasion,” she said.
Her family plays a big role in why she plays the sports she plays.
“My mom is a really big soccer fan, so getting into it was for her, but I also found a love for it myself,” Lemon explained. “And my family is always playing tennis together.”
Lemon isn’t just an athlete, though — she is also a student, an employee and a friend. She is constantly having to find a way to balance all of this, which isn’t always easy.
“I am basically always busy, which means doing school work on the way to meets or games or even the period before it’s due,” Lemon said with a laugh.
Throughout the time Lemon has participated in these sports she has made friendships that she never would have had she not been a part of the team.
“Until I joined to football team, I never would’ve never even considered being friends with the guys, but when I joined I met them and now they are some of my closest friends.”
Lemon is a role model for those who want to try something new and for those who are already in the sports they love. She shows people how to push through challenges and she teaches people what it means to be a leader.
Junior Abi Lemon wrestles her opponent; wrestling is one of four sports Lemon participates in at JHS. Submitted photo.
Broadcasting teacher David Callan waves his hands animatedly as he explains the basics of editing.
“Drag and drop your video onto the timeline.”
While he appears normal or a generic teacher to a passerby, he has quite a history. Very few people know that he was a producer and executive director at WDRB before he came to Jeffersonville.
“I did audio, graphics, technical directing, directing, and eventually became the boss. So I did every job you can do in production,” he recalled.
David Callan assists WJHI student journalists with projects in the broadcast production lab. Photo by Abigail Hall.
However, he started out as a courier.
“I started off as the station runner. So back then, they had people who went to different TV stations, radio stations,” Callan said. “I went to the movie houses to get what they called movie trailers.”
He tells his students about his time in the production world very fondly, but everyone around him is grateful he made the switch to high school teaching.
Senior broadcasting student Alyssa Jendrick said that Callan has positively impacted her school experience in many ways.
“I’d describe him as a great guide to help others,” she began. “After understanding what you need, it’s nice to help others and even inspire them if they’re willing to dream big and open their minds.”
Other students often speak highly of Callan, stating how great a teacher and mentor he is. However, it’s not just students; his colleagues also admire him.
Colleague and fellow broadcasting teacher Fred Cowgill said, “He is a great broadcaster, enormously talented, but he’s a better man. He spews integrity, he works hard, he has incredible standards and none higher than for himself.”
Callan and Cowgill work hard together to make the class a fun and educational place for students to be. In the future, they hope to improve the quality of the program in many ways.
“I’m hoping I’ll have some time and I can get into Adobe certification,” Callan stated. “I’m going to put myself through it, so I understand what you need to do as a student.”
Besides editing, broadcasting students work on many other things. They are involved with producing livestreams of sports games that go on here at the high school.
“We’re trying to elevate the production level of the game,” he added. “I don’t expect you guys to be at the level that I had when I was working at DRB early on. These people, these were professionals who knew how to do the jobs. But what we want to do is we want to get in a learning step.”
Regardless of what he decides to teach, students know that they will enjoy it, just as much as they enjoy his mentorship and presence. He continues to help others in their learning and life experiences, always putting them first.
“Our goal, Mr. Cowgill’s and I, and our goal is to make you better people, to get you more informed as a citizen.”
When Fred Cowgill walked into Jeffersonville High School, his first impression was simple: “A place that was very … what’s the expression? Best kept secret in America.”
Cowgill, who spent nearly five decades in TV and radio, including more than 30 years at WLKY, now leads the WJHI broadcasting program. But for him, the goal has never just been about producing future broadcasters.
The JHS broadcasting team Dave Callan and Fred Cowgill in the WJHI studio soon after they were hired last school year. Cowgill brings nearly five decades of broadcast experience to the job. Photo by Bruno Diaz Cerro.
“We’d love it to be in broadcasting, but we believe what we’re trying to accomplish and teach goes well beyond that,” Cowgill explained. “Better people. Better people to function in society, better prepared for whatever they decide to do with their lives.”
Cowgill always reminds students that the studio isn’t just about lights, cameras, and editing software. It’s about building real world skills, responsibility, problem-solving, and collaboration that last far beyond high school. “We tell them we’re TV dads, and they’re stuck with us for life now,” he said with a laugh.
To him, what makes WJHI stand out is the family atmosphere they’ve built. “We tell them this is a safe place. If they’ve got a problem, come,” Cowgill said. “We’d like to make this a better program, a better school, a better community, and it takes time.”
Cowgill said he’s always looked at his time at WJHI through a “five-year window.” He knows he won’t be teaching forever, but in that time, his mission is to build something lasting, an operation that runs smoothly long after he’s gone.
“The goal has always been five years, because I’m not a kid,” Cowgill said with a laugh. “But in that time, we can make this a turnkey operation where we hand off to the next people, and they have a framework for what we’re trying to accomplish.”
That plan, he feels, is already beginning to take shape. Year one, he admits, was “flying blind.” But now, in year two, the vision is sharper. With the help of teacher Dave Callan, the program is really finding its rhythm.
“We’re establishing year one, we were flying blind,” Cowgill said. “But year two, we’re laying a foundation. The culture’s better.”
Students say they’ve noticed that shift, too. Robert Tucker, a sophomore in the program, said Cowgill has a way of pushing them without ever making the work feel overwhelming. “He’s tough in the best way.”
Tucker said. “When you know his background in broadcasting, you want to kind of rise to his level. It makes you work harder, but it also makes you care more.”
For him, though, it’s not the big projects that matter most. It’s the little things he sees in the classroom. “I see kids do something cool that I didn’t expect, didn’t see coming. Makes my month,” he said.
Kaden Westbay, another student in the program, said that encouragement sticks with him. “The smallest compliment from him feels like a huge deal,” Westbay said. “Because when he says you did something right or good, you know it’s legit coming from a guy who’s been doing this for what 50 years?”
What ultimately sets the program apart, Cowgill believes, is its connection to the real world.
“My 50th anniversary in broadcasting is Sept. 1. Forty-eight and a half of those, give or take, were in TV and radio. We know what works. We know what’s going on in the business. We know what to teach,” he said.
Cowgill’s mission is clear: build broadcasters, yes, but more importantly, build better people.
Head coach Wes Briscoe is making his mark as Jeff High’s volleyball coach, bringing energy and leadership to the Red Devils’ program.
This year marks Briscoe’s’ 25th year of coaching; he has coached in five state finals, and has also been awarded coach of the year honors for both girls’ and boys’ volleyball. His girls’ volleyball team heads into sectional play tonight against New Albany.
Volleyball head coach Wes Briscoe on the sidelines during a girls’ volleyball match. Briscoe coaches both the girls’ and boys’ teams. Photo by Haliun Otgonbayar.
Briscoe’s focus, however, is on his teams’ successes.
“I don’t ever have any personal goals in coaching, because it’s not about me. I’ve done just about all there is to do in coaching high school athletics,” he said.
There is no denying Briscoe’s success when it comes to coaching.
“I want everybody to become the best versions of themselves,” he said. “My job is to figure out how to get them to see that they are more than what they believe they are.”
Pushing his players to be the best versions of themselves is just a small part of what Briscoe does for his players as a coach.
“He made me realize that I can always be better, and that I always have room for growth,” stated varsity captain Anthony Ganchuluun, a senior. “I mean without him, I don’t think I’d be anywhere near as disciplined as I am.”
It’s a testament to the culture that Briscoe has built at Jeff High.
“I’ve learned a lot over the past years being a player for Coach Wes,” said varsity captain Riley Dobson, a senior. “He’s taught me that putting in the extra work does pay off and your time will come right when it is supposed to.”
Beyond the court, Briscoe’s influence is felt in the classroom and community. Players describe him as more than a coach, but as someone who encourages them to succeed in all aspects of life.
For him, though, his goal is to better all of his players.
“I just want to see people understand what it takes to play at the elite level that they think they want to be at, and just keep encouraging them to put in the work so they can get there.”
Briscoe has one goal in mind, and it is to grow his players. He cares more about his players’ integrity and leadership than how they play on the court.
Coach Wes Briscoe and the Red Devils break from a timeout using their signature hand sign during Senior Night against North Harrison. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
A photography teacher at JHS, Kevin Daley brings both technical skills and a creative perspective to his students.
“Teaching photography is very fulfilling. I enjoy seeing the growth, not just in you guys, but also in me,” stated Daley.
Photography and digital design teacher Kevin Daley blends technical skills with a creative perspective in his classes. Photo by Miaa Caporale.
At JHS, Mr. Daley is known for his approachable and patient classroom presence. He allows students to express their creativity in his classroom and encourages creativity by putting cameras directly into students’ hands and allowing them to explore. He gives students freedom to choose what they want to capture.
“I wanted to teach the arts. I grew up drawing and creating art. I went into animation and then graphic design. Then, I saw there was a position to teach photography. Many people would say ‘Mr. Daley, you’d be a great teacher.’ I enjoy teaching others. I’ve taught other organizations, and I know some photography, so I was like, ‘Okay,’ I’ll give that a shot and see if they want me’.”
Since stepping into the role, Daley has worked to create a classroom environment where exploration comes first. He encourages students to take risks, explore new ideas, and discover their own creative style, allowing students to capture the world through their own unique lens.
“I want my students to have confidence in their abilities, even if they aren’t the most talented artists. I want them to build confidence in their work,” he stated.
“My favorite part of it all his seeing the ‘aha’ moment when a students finally get it. For instance, when a student picks up a camera for the first time and you see the reaction and the excitement. I love seeing the excitement.”
Photography and Digital Design Teacher Kevin Daley
For Daley, it’s not just about taking the “perfect picture.” It’s about letting the students feel proud of what they create, no matter their skill level.
“I would describe Mr. Daley as a kind, thoughtful, funny, and a caring person who gives his students many opportunities,” stated sophomore Zoe Breeden.
For many students, it’s not just the photography lessons that matter but the way Daley pushes them to see what they’re capable of.
“Mr. Daley has inspired me to open up my perspectives of the world. I always see colors and nature differently now that I’ve been in his class. I pay closer attention to the world around me,” said sophomore Jilliann Denbo.
Moments like this show that the impact of his teaching goes beyond schoolwork. By encouraging students to look closer and think differently, he helps them grow both as artists and as people.
“He made photography interesting by giving us hands-on activities and letting us go outside to get a better perspective and pictures,” added Denbo.
According to students, having the chance to work outside and use hands-on techniques makes it easier to understand photography concepts. Through his teaching, Daley helps students grow as a photographers and as individuals.
“My favorite part of it all his seeing the ‘aha’ moment when a students finally get it,” said Daley. “For instance, when a student picks up a camera for the first time and you see the reaction and the excitement. I love seeing the excitement.”
Photography and digital design teacher Kevin Daley often takes his classes outside to help students improve their photography skills. Photo by Miaa Caporale.
Sara Nord — JHS alumna, Indiana Miss Basketball (2000), former WNBA player for the Washington Mystics, elected to the UofL Hall of Fame in 2015 — loves to give back to her community.
Photo by Breslyn Dozal.
Nord is the manager for the Spring Hill EnVision Center and Jeffersonville Fieldhouse. She does all that while training kids and giving back to Jeffersonville.
Hayden and Jazmin Doogarsingh, who have known Nord for five years, commented on how caring and how good of a role model she is to the people around her and great with kids.
Nord has always been a team player when it comes to sports or overall life.
“Being a team is important because you have to work with a lot of people throughout life. Have to be a team even when you’re your own boss,” she said.
Nord strives to make basketball mean a lot to people of all ages. She does a lot for a whole little and would do more if she could.
“Personable, outgoing, loyal, hotheaded. I feel like that’s who I am as a person. I meet people easily and I’m loyal to them,” Nord stated on how she thinks people would describe her.
Those who know Nord well describe her as humble despite her accomplishments.
“Very humble, very grateful. I think she knew she deserved it. She is a very gracious winner,” said close friend Greg Manor on how she was when she won Indiana Miss Basketball.
Nord always wants to make the best of people, especially when training with kids. ¨She’s selfless, she’s caring. And loves kids, she loves to help them,” said Manor.
JHS graduate Sara Nord is the Spring Hill EnVision Center and Fieldhouse manager. She does all that while training kids and giving back to her community. Photo by Breslyn Dozal.
Despite her selflessness, Nord will do whatever it takes to come out first. Whether it’s during a sport or a simple game of Uno, Nord is willing to do anything just for that game-winning feeling.
“Sara’s path to success is a true JHS story; she will be the first to open up and admit that she can identify with kids because Sara wasn’t handed everything on a silver platter. She had to fight for everything she got,” said principal Pam Hall.
She will help everyone get that feeling as well. Nord used to coach at JHS and Rock Creek Community Academy. Now she runs clinics at the Jeffersonville Fieldhouse.
“I think that her dedication on giving back to the community. She helps elementary, middle, and high school students. She is widely known — you can just say ‘Sara’ and people know who you’re talking about,” commented Hall.
Sara Nord, a strong, goodwill, selfless person. She has truly left a mark on everyone she met, and touched many lives. As Hall said, “Sara is kind to people… friendly to everyone in the area.”
This year’s boys’ soccer team has had many new athletes introduced to the team, and the stands have filled up more than ever this season. Sophomore Ariel Andres Sandoval has played exceptionally well this season; his teammates speak highly of him.
Sandoval has played soccer for over 10 years; he knows most of his teammates from way back in elementary school soccer. With all that time, he has grown close with his teammates, and they could be perceived as family.
Sophomore Dylan Ortiz said he admired Sandoval’s loyalty and passion for soccer – the way he never gives up on the field, always pushing his teammates to be the best and giving them challenging opportunities to push themselves.
Aside from playing soccer, another hobby Sandoval really enjoys is reading and writing poems. When he’s not on the court, he’s reading or writing, even studying architecture.
Sandoval said his “biggest challenge in soccer is my mentality.” He has always been pushed to be good, but being great still comes with struggles.
Sandoval said, “Remembering the reason why, followed by the people I’m playing soccer with, keeps me motivated through every game.”
Sandoval and Ortiz both really look up to their team captain, senior Elijah Cheeks. Sandoval said, “He is always keeping me on my feet for every game we face.”
Cheeks is always there on the field helping every teammate out whenever he feels like he’s needed; he is there. Cheeks said, “I enjoy helping my teammates and helping them get better every day, not just as a soccer player, but as a person, too.”
Ortiz described Sandoval as “courageous.” He’s not deterred by danger; he’s brave and fearless, and Ortiz said, “that could be one of his biggest strengths.”
Sandoval loves a good meal after games; his favorite food is chicken, and typically after a game he enjoys a nice meal of chicken wings to provide protein and energy for the next game.
Sandoval strongly believes “the team will win sectionals in October and advance even more.”
Sectional play begins next Monday at Floyd Central at 7 p.m.; the Red Devils will face Jennings County.
Sophomore Ariel Andres Sandoval looks on during the JHS game against Floyd Central. Sandoval said his motto is “fear prevents opportunities.” Photo by Isabella Stewart.Sophomore Ariel Andres Sandoval displays his jersey number game during the JHS game against Floyd Central. Photo by Isabella Stewart.
Allison Clary is an English language arts teacher, whose strong character and passion for teaching has reflected through not only her ELA courses, but also through her Holocaust class where she conveys the importance of history to students.
English teacher Allison Clary explains the importance of the video in her fourth-period Holocaust class on Sept. 8. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Clary acknowledges her former students, whose interests and curiosity led to the innovation of the Holocaust class, which was later introduced to JHS in 2007.
“The book Night; I taught that in my English classes; it’s about the Holocaust. It was so moving that my kids asked me if I could teach more around 2004. That’s how the ball got rolling. I give my kids the credit—years and years ago.”
Elie Wiesel’s book Night left a significant impact with its powerful message, creating personal connections among students, including Clary.
“That book specifically is about a teenager who ends up in Auschwitz. The main character was 15 years old. So, I think it was easy for them to relate to that and to think, ‘What if this were me?’ It’s a life-changing book for me — the horrors that they went through and how they survived.
“I felt like my kids could also identify with it.”
Clary relies on years of experience that have allowed her to teach all high school levels, along with teaching more than one course at JHS.
“This is my 34th year and I’ve taught all types of English arts. 9 through 12. Currently teaching 11th. Then, I have all of my elective courses; mythology and Holocaust.”
“History repeats itself; kids need to know what to look for. Kids need to know about the past because they are the future.”
English teacher Allison Clary
Senior Richard Morocho shared his previous experience in Clary’s ELA classroom, which later encouraged him to join her Holocaust class.
“I’ve been in this class since the start of the year. I joined it mostly because I like having her as a teacher last year. Also, because Holocaust is an interesting subject. She had a lot of experience with people whose relatives were in the Holocaust and survivors,” he said.
He highly mentioned Clary’s way of teaching and the reassurance she has given to her students to express themselves freely.
“Her opinions are really expressive whenever it comes down to bad things that people do now and how it’s influenced by the Holocaust. When it comes to freedom of speech, she is really vocal about that and we’re allowed to say what we want about that, too.”
Morocho added, “She gives us more freedom of the things that we can say and put our opinions on.”
He explained that this class has allowed him to learn history from a different perspective and encouraged students to join.
“All I can say is that they’re kind of missing out because it’s a really interesting and fun class to take. It’s not a book class, it’s an experience kind of thing. It’s really interesting stuff.”
Junior Andrew Hampton agreed with Morocho, explaining the significance of being a part of the Holocaust class, while also highlighting the engaging setting of the class itself.
“It’s a really relevant topic that we should be learning about. Her class is also engaging; it is the opposite of a boring class. There’s never been a moment when I’m not paying attention in that class. It’s too engaging not to.”
Hampton described Clary’s positive attitude and the bright influence she has made in her classroom daily.
“She is very happy to be here and that is very helpful. She makes you happy to be here as well. Her energy radiates, making it more engaging.”
Clary recalled moments where she witnessed students from different courses, personally connecting with her lessons and assignments.
“I see that all the time; I’m not going to lie. I do see it in Holocaust often, but I also see it in English. I think kids have connected with some of the stuff we’ve already done in class,” she said.
Hampton has found Clary’s lessons significant to both ELA and Holocaust class.
“For English class I enjoy the topics that she teaches. I enjoy reading the stories. Right now we are learning about Frederick, who was someone I didn’t really know about. For Holocaust class we are watching a movie right now and that movie is fire. It’s called ‘Resistance’. It’s a really good movie, honestly,” said Hampton.
Junior Lizeth Gonzalez is content with Clary’s contribution to help students succeed in her ELA class.
“I feel like she brings out specific people. People who we wouldn’t really mention in class. She tells a story and explains it to us in a way where we are experiencing it ourselves.”
Clary’s lessons have opened an interesting approach towards her ELA students. Gonzalez is satisfied with learning a new standpoint in history.
“I enjoy her lectures because it opens a perspective more whenever we talk about black history. Normally, in history class we talk about it but you don’t get into the depth of the history.”
Hampton emphasized the importance of learning history to avoid repeating mistakes from the past.
“So that we don’t repeat things. Most of our history is not good. I think that is the most important reason. So, that way we don’t keep repeating things over and over, and we become better.”
Clary agreed with Hampton, emphasizing the importance of students studying history to prepare them for the future.
“History repeats itself; kids need to know what to look for. Kids need to know about the past because they are the future.”
Clary’s impactful influence has stood out to many students at JHS, which is rewarding to her.
“There are many days that I feel like I shouldn’t be getting paid to do something that makes me feel so happy. I could’ve retired already and I don’t because I genuinely love doing this.”
She added, “I’m not sure if I know who I am, without being the teacher part of ‘Mrs.Clary’.”
English teacher Allison Clary guides her fourth-period Holocaust class through the video about a Holocaust survivor on Sept. 8. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
The morning sun and smoke fill the classroom windows as French teacher and fifth-generation architect Dana Schenk shifts between her desks; her voice carries through the room.
French teacher Dana Schenk teaches a lesson on family members during third-hour French II class. Photo by Chloe Newton.
Her voice is full of the life lived between three countries. France has given her a love for language, Romania is where she grew up learning her first language and how to read and write, and America is where she has chosen to take her knowledge and share it with her students at Jeffersonville High School.
She pauses mid-sentence to smile at her students’ careful pronunciation, her eyes lighting up and reflecting the same caring atmosphere that once welcomed her into new cultures.
Schenk has never let anything stand in the way of her dreams. Born in Romania, she moved to France and eventually to the United States, each travel and experience guided by her “spirit of adventure.”
“Living in different countries teaches you a lot about yourself; you become the person who can survive in any environment,” she said.
The countries and cultures shaped her teaching style. When Schenk discusses the history of these countries, she is not just talking; she is drawing from her adventures and experiences, helping students connect beyond the classroom and curriculum.
“Be curious about life and you’re going to get very far. No task or pathway is impossible as long as you’re curious.”
French Teacher Dana Schenk
In her class, learning goes beyond just pencil and paper. She allows students to apply French terms to real-world situations and history. Students complete projects such as building an apartment floor plan or creating personalized crests.
“We try to put together as many skills as we can while we’re learning French, that’s how I make it fun and engaging.”
Her goal is not just to teach a language but to encourage students to “be citizens of the world, open their minds, and take more than just the language from my class.”
Students see that engagement firsthand. French II student Shane Adkins described her as a teacher who keeps lessons very interactive and interesting.
“She talks about her culture a lot, and it feels like a first-hand experience.”
He points out why this class is different from other language classes he has taken because of her unique teaching style and lively feeling she brings to the class.
“She’s just very expressive with her reactions and words. There’s no other way to put it,” he said.
This feeling and expressiveness have also had a lasting impact on colleagues. German teacher Lisa Stumler described feeling nervous when the previous French teacher left and Schenk came in.
“I was worried – would the new French teacher even like me? But, instantly, I thought, ‘She’s wonderful’.”
The two took a trip together to Europe over the summer. The trip lasted two weeks, during which Stumler and Schenk helped each other while seeing all the fascinating places from their cultures.
“She’s influenced me to pause more, to ask questions, to not jump to conclusions.”
Schenk’s philosophy and mindset carry the same courage and clarity she encourages in her students.
“Be curious about life and you’re going to get very far. No task or pathway is impossible as long as you’re curious. I don’t regret anything, I love my choices.”
The impact of this mindset carries beyond the classroom. Schenk recalled a student who once volunteered in Africa and had to rely on French to communicate.
“I felt so proud… he realized the importance of knowing a foreign language, and it just made my eyes light up. ”
In the classroom or abroad, Schenk’s students and peers describe her in the same way: expressive, passionate, and unforgettable. As one student described her, she was likened to a croissant, very layered and one of a kind.
Former JHS student Maxine Prickett took English teacher Holden Henderson’s advice all the way to Florida.
Prickett, a former student of Henderson’s said, “Mr. Henderson’s words have carried with me since he told me that he was proud of me while receiving my award for most changed during freshman year. It wasn’t that he said he was proud, it was that he meant it.”
This is how Henderson makes an impact on each of his students.
“I hope that I inspire them to be themselves and to try to make the world a better place,” Henderson said.
English teacher Holden Henderson helps his former student, senior Tobey Wilder, with work on August 27. Photo by Jilliann Denbo.
Henderson undeniably enjoys his job daily, working with his students.
Most people only look at Henderson as a regular English teacher that has a man bun and wears crazy shirts daily, but that’s not the case. He strives to make sure he understands each of his students no matter what.
“He doesn’t try to be your friend, rather, an adult that you can trust,” said Prickett.
One of Henderson’s favorite parts of his job is to see his students’ success after leaving his classroom.
“It seems a lot of times I see growth over the course of the year, so I hope that it’s from them taking my advice,” he said.
Not only does Henderson make sure his students feel well, but he creates a positive environment for them in his classroom.
“I try to make sure that the decorations represent me and not just school stuff so that they understand that this is, you know, a place where they can be themselves. Then personally I just try to make sure to greet the students with a smile, I try to check on them to make sure that they understand that I care and that they should feel safe here,” Henderson said.
He takes pride in making sure his students feel welcomed.
“Mr Henderson was a caring and fun English teacher and always made sure we were learning something new each day,” said sophomore Reese Dobson.
Even with all the work, Henderson finds ways to pull his students into what he is teaching.
“The stories that I pick as an English teacher, I try to make sure that they aren’t terribly boring and stuff like that, even the ones that are, I try to explain the significance and bring it related to the students so that it’s not as boring because it’s hard to learn when you are bored,” He said.
Henderson takes pride in teaching at JHS, he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a part of the Red Devil community.
“When I was young, my grandparents had season tickets to Jeff games and so I was here a lot. I was kind ofa always proud of the Red Devils. Growing up in Jeff, I want to give back to the community. And by trying to be a positive influence in students’ lives, I hope that I’m making the community a better place,” Henderon said.
Henderson’s words will always carry on with his students, and they will always continue to do so.
“When I did my student teaching, I just fell in love with the school and this is where I knew I wanted to be.”
JHS geometry teacher Cory Densford greets his students as they walk into his classroom with a warm welcome and a fist bump.
“I want to form a good relationship with my students,” said Densford
This is Densford’s 13th year teaching at JHS, and throughout those years, he has grown significantly as a teacher and has also learned things that have shaped him into the teacher he is today.
Math teacher Cory Densford checks homework in his seventh-hour geometry class. Photo by Kaylee Borelli.
“My first year was terrible because I didn’t know anything,” stated Densford. “Relationships are the most important part of teaching. It doesn’t matter what you say to a kid if they won’t listen to you, and the way you get them to listen to you is by building a personal relationship, especially on the first days of school. Learning their names, what they like, and what they don’t like is probably the most important thing.”
Along with learning throughout the years, he has also had many challenges that he has faced.
“Sometimes there is a personality issue between you and a kid that is always a big challenge, and navigating that when the student and I have different ideas of how class should run, there is always a big challenge,” explained Densford. “Navigating the logistics of a school sometimes and not having enough of a resource or where you get a resource is always a challenge, especially if you’re brand new.
Densford recalls back to his years at JHS and how much his Algebra II teacher, Mr. Clark, influenced and inspired him to go into teaching.
“I knew I wanted to teach when I was a kid. I wanted to go into something that helped people,” said Densford. “I thought I wanted to become a doctor, but that was not going to do it once I got a little bit older. It was my Aalgebra II and calculus teacher, Mr. Clark, who made me want to become a math teacher.”
Densford’s students have mentioned that they have learned a lot in his class and that Densford has truly helped them understand the concept of geometry.
“He teaches very quickly and efficiently and makes sure you understand the material,” said freshman Chloe Kallbrier. “He actually makes me understand geometry.”
Another student also details how Densford has impacted them.
“He helps me when I get nervous during a test,” said freshman Makaylynn Nguyen. “He’ll tell me my score on the test and show me that I did well.”
Other students also describe Densford very positively.
“He’s funny, nice, and he’s also respectful,” said Nguyen. “He’s actually helped me learn.”
Densford explained why he loves teaching at JHS and why he keeps coming back to teach every year.
“Nothing else is as fulfilling as teaching,” explained Densford. “Getting to see people helps a lot, and I have a friend who works at a call center, and he works from home, but whenever we hang out, he’s always jealous that my job is fulfilling.”
Densford wants to ensure that he leaves a lasting impression on his students once they step out of his classroom for the last time.
“I want them to remember the good times we had together,” said Densford. “We did a lot of math, but I’m a pretty goofy guy, and I would love for them to remember the fun that we had along the way.”
Construction teacher Gary Solomon stands up, enjoying his day by teaching his students how to build something in the bay. Making sure that he helps them individually and giving them advice on how to make their builds better.
Solomon’s construction class teaches students a lot more than how the tools work. “I try to find out what their strengths and their weaknesses are and what they know and what they think they know. And then try to build from there.”
Even as he introduced tools into his classroom, he does it slowly and efficiently.
Construction teacher Gary Solomon emphasizes problem solving in his classes. Photo by William Hudgins.
“We are starting off with hand tools, and not using power tools to start off with; you will see how much work goes into it and you will appreciate the power tools when you get them and then you will be able to see how your mind will let you build and how far your talent level will go why I do the things I do.”
For Solomon, who’s beginning his sixth year of teaching after the military, teaching construction is all about getting students to problem solve.
“Teachers always said when I see that light bulb on the student for me it’s not the light bulb, it’s almost like the ‘aha’ version, like ‘aha’ moment where now I get why this tool does this, why I need to use this tool, why we need to do it this way, and now I can see that I can do something besides working at fast food.”
Solomon really cares for his students. He makes sure that his students learn the best way possible and that they can use something from that class to use in their real life.
Torin Clapp, administrative assistant to principal Pamela Hall, said, “I have heard him talk about worrying about students and their daily life, their future. He just wants the best for them. He wants them to learn as much as they can from him. He thinks all the time about projects and things he can start on that will benefit all of his students, in the future and things that they won’t forget and will remember the thing that he taught them.”
Solomon’s wife, Laura, who teaches business, said that he cares about his students.
“He knows that if a student is sitting in his room or in the bay and they are not their normal self. That there is something going on in their world, whether it’s problems with a significant other or problems at home, and he pulls them aside, has a conversation and talks with them.”
According to Mrs.Solomon, his dedication pushes him to help students outside of the classroom.
“He went to the kids’ houses and helped them repair plumbing problems that they have at their house. He’s gone and taking our son and helping kids repair their heating because during the winter time they didn’t have any heat at their house. He cares about his kids as a person and tries to help them, when he has the ability to help them.”
Solomon used his skills to help his students, while teaching them about the importance of the trades.
“Because the trades will always be there, you are always going to need the lights on, always going to need the toilets to flush, your car to be worked on, you’re always going to need that. We can do IT all day long and make AI do it all, (but) you need to be able to provide people the resources, the basic resources, electricity, water, heat, air, things like that. With that job you will be able to provide for others, help others and help yourself at the same time.”
If there’s anything you should know about Solomon, it’s this:
“I love my family, I love my country, and love what I do here at Jeff High, and there is no school I want to be at besides this school.”
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