More than a teacher
Some Mendive Middle School students got more than they expected from their home-economics teacher, Cheryl Hensley.
“She’s not just a teacher for me,” said Alexa Giossi, 14, an eighth-grader at Mendive. “She’s someone I can go to for anything.”
Hensley has worked with students in two of her home-economics classes to form a community outreach group. Students have volunteered at an elderly home and, most recently, raised $4,400 for the March of Dimes last weekend.
“I think it’s so good for the kids to step out of their comfort zone and help other people,” said
Hensley, 35. “For this class period, they’re not just thinking about themselves.”
Many students credited their success and inspiration to Hensley and her class.
“It’s almost like a stress-free zone,” said eighth-grader Jason Tran, 14.
Eighth-grader Perl Dominguez, 14, agreed.
“She just always tries to put a smile on my face,” she said.
Hensley said the students just needed a bit of encouragement and guidance.
“I think kids want to help, but they don’t know how or how to get started,” Hensley said. “Once they have a direction, they’re all over it.”
Hensley said every teacher she knows helps her students to the same degree that she does.
“I think teachers don’t just teach for the academics,” she said. “They share their passions with the students.”
This article appeared originally in Reno Gazette-Journal.
