Dear Dr. Gabby,

The beeping of the hospital monitor had always sent rhythmic shudders down my spine. It had been weeks since my mother was admitted, yet the weight of the situation remained heavy on my shoulders. At the same time, I was adjusting to a new school, a long tedious drive and far from the close social network I once relied on. The stress overwhelmed me, and, for the first time, I was forced to face emotions I could not manage on my own.
When I arrived, I was overwhelmed with schedules and responsibilities and an unfamiliar environment. I am not sure what compelled me to step into the counselor’s office that day other than the burden becoming too heavy to carry; however, I knocked on your door, and you opened it with joy and kindness. From that day forward, your door has remained open for me every morning, every lunch and after school. I came in downtrodden, in good moods and sometimes drenched in tears, and, no matter what shape I was in, you welcomed me.
Even years later, you continue to support me, whether it’s by visiting my senior exhibition, your enthusiasm and support regarding my college decision or leaving your door open for conversation. I have always found the Marksmen Wellness Center and your presence to be a comforting environment.
More than that, it was your compassion and constant enthusiasm that inspired me to keep pushing and involve myself even if it was difficult, something that I’ve carried with me throughout my time at St. Marks, something that has pushed me to do some really incredible things.
When I left behind my friends and my familiar world, you became my constant. You guided me toward the help I needed, and, through your patience and care, you helped me find stability again. Without you, I do not believe I would be where I am today. I will forever be indebted to you.
Thank you, more than words can say.

To Dr. Chiang,

When I walked into school on the first day of sixth grade, I had no clue what to do with the first major class choice of my life: Chinese or Spanish.
Given that I had been studying Spanish for five years compared to my single year of Chinese and that I live in Texas, a state with many Spanish speakers, the choice might have seemed obvious, but not for me.
That day, I was slightly nervous meeting my Chinese teacher, Dr. Chiang, but she quickly showed me I had no reason to be worried. Through videos, basic grammar lessons, and fun projects, Dr. Chiang developed in me a passion for Chinese as sixth grade went on.
So, at the end of the year, when my advisor asked me which language I would study for the rest of my time at St. Mark’s, I said Chinese without any hesitation.
In the six years since I made that decision, I have been constantly glad I chose Chinese. From attempting to rap in Chinese to making presentations on different aspects of Chinese culture, Dr. Chiang made learning about Chinese incredibly engaging, and I can confidently say that some of my best memories at St. Mark’s have been in her classes. Finally, Dr. Chiang helped make the Taiwan trip with my friends in my Chinese class such an unforgettable and eye-opening experience.
When Dr. Chiang first mentioned Chinese speech competitions, I thought I was the wrong person for it as I had absolutely zero public speaking experience; however, she believed in me. After some convincing, I joined a competition. Since then, I have competed in multiple more and have improved my public speaking abilities as a result. So, I am also very appreciative for the many hours Dr. Chiang devoted outside of class to help me prepare for speeches and for her unrelenting encouragement.
I just want to end this by saying: Dr. Chiang, as the teacher who has taught me the longest at St. Mark’s, I am incredibly grateful for your teaching in and out of the classroom.
For the five years you taught me, you helped me develop into the student I am today. I will take my passion for learning Chinese into college and the rest of my life because of you.

Dear Mr. Brown,

As I look back on my time at St. Mark’s, I find myself reflecting on the lessons and values that shaped me into the person I am today. With that, one of the most memorable classes which I remember is Sophomore English class. I recall our deep discussions of books like Macbeth, Oedipus, The Great Gatsby and many more which all circled back to the central theme of the year: character and leadership. The thought and reflectiveness that assignments and discussions brought about helped my classmates and I on our journey to become true Marksmen by pushing us to think more deeply about who we want to become.
Thank you for the time, care and intention that you poured into our growth. I entered your class thinking that English was primarily meant to improve writing and analytical skills; however, you showed me that it is also about understanding ourselves. You taught us how to take time, reflect and engage with ideas that have continued to stick with us.
Additionally, the rest of the student body and I continue to appreciate your work as the Character and Leadership Director at St. Mark’s. Outside of the classroom, your work around campus continues to impact the entire student body by both sponsoring the annual Literary Festival and enhancing the school’s Character and Leadership goals.
Thank you for a memorable sophomore year and continuing to strengthen our community by helping us build the values that define our school.

To Dr. Stegmoeller,

I was lost when I first entered your class in 8th grade. I was that kid who lacked the care and drive to do things the right way; outcomes, to me, were the value in what I do. I remember leaving your class each day, after jokingly making sardonic comments that critiqued even the simplest explanation or teachings, to the words: “Hang in there, young Christian.” And little by little, I couldn’t hang in there much more. I felt that something needed to change, something to fill my hollow identity.
It started with a realization that I had more to give. More to be. More to embody. So as I stumbled through this path of change, I held your words in my head, acted them through my hands and believed them with my heart. I vividly remember how the three modes of the game which is life impacted me. I recall your introduction to Character and Leadership, something I once found pointless as I failed to see any application to how it would help me succeed.
So as the years went on and I grew out of my cynical immaturity, I found passion and pride in agency, community and living in an honorable way. In your philosophy class, I have only continued to build my life on your teachings. I firmly believe that, because of your class and commitment to educating the aspects of us Marksmen that truly matter, I have grown into a better man.
I can speak for all of us fortunate enough to experience your class; thank you, Dr. Steg.
You have changed my life.