Steve Tygrett
Social Studies Teacher
City High

"He leads student senate and he has helped organize gender neutral bathrooms along with homecoming royalty rather than king/queen to be more inclusive for all students. He is a big part of making the student senate work and does a lot of extra work for our student body that is above and beyond what is expected of him."

"Mr. Tygrett is the main planner of the City High Homecoming parade. He is so committed to making the parade great, and he consistently succeeds every year. This is on top of his good teaching and other student senate accomplishments."

"He is an amazing Student Senate sponsor. He has benefited the community by organizing the homecoming parade every year. This gave everyone on the East side have a chance to connect and it took lots of organization and planning!"

"Mr. Tygrett leads student senate has changed the homecoming court to be royalty instead of king and queen. This is really important to make sure everyone is included and feels welcomed."

Melissa Galloway
5th Grade Teacher
Grant Elementary

Ms. Galloway taught my son two years ago at Grant Elementary in 5th Grade. She was so impactful on his learning, motivation, and confidence. I know last year in 6th grade he still sought her out to catch up including stopping by her class. Fast forward to this year when I see Ms. Galloway in the stands at a 7th grade North Central football game. I talked to her after the game and stated how nice it was of her to come. She said, “Well your son emailed me and told me they were playing tonight". I had no idea he had done this.

Here is what came to my mind. This teacher got to know my son as a person and showed him how important he was throughout elementary school. This led to a 12 year old boy having the confidence to independently email her to let her know they were playing football. Finally, Ms. Galloway took time out of her busy night after teaching all day to cheer on the team. Many times, I hear that teachers feel like they aren't able to do enough. That is definitely not the case with a dedicated teacher such as this. I want Ms. Galloway to know how much it meant for my son and the kids on the team that knew her to see her there. I want her to know how much it meant for us as parents to see her there as well. Kids learn best from teachers they admire and trust. It is no doubt that students learn from Ms. Galloway daily!

Diamond Quaye
Elementary School Counselor
Lincoln & Mann Elementary

"Diamond is a positive role model and the consummate professional. He supported and inspired my son throughout his time at Mann Elementary. Diamond's empathy and support has inspired our son to be a school guidance counselor."

"Mr. Quaye is super nice, kind, and caring. He helps everyone at my school."

"I cannot imagine surviving online school and quarantine without Mr. Quaye’s guidance. My kids struggled a lot and he was always available to help them handle these big changes and upsets. I’m so thankful to him and my children always look forward to a 'Quaye Day.'
This man is a gift."

Jen Barr
Special Education Teacher
City High

She worked with me for 4 years and I loved working with her that whole time.

Jen taught my son for 4 years and is a great outside-the-box thinker. She was the first in ICCSD to use Peer Mediated Instruction to teach him social skills with peers. She communicated very effectively with his family and collaborated with us. During the pandemic lockdown, she worked hard to engage him through virtual learning and supported him in continuing his goals despite all odds. Because he requires adult supervision, she volunteered to accompany him both to Prom and during graduation so that he could enjoy those activities with peers. It was a joy to work with her, we trust her, and we learned so much from her. Thank you.