Mr. Gallagher is a history teacher that has been teaching at MHS for 15 years. He teaches AP and regular psychology, leadership, contemporary studies, and sociology. Mr. Gallagher’s role model is his grandma on his father’s side. He said it was because of the way she carried herself and her patience. He’s learned with role models that “No one is perfect. It’s about seeing something or someone that inspires you and drives you to be better.” Upon walking into Mr. Gallagher’s classroom, you see a wall of black and white faces. They are all people he looks up to as a guide, not the blueprint. He went on to say, “They’re not all perfect by any stretch but they all have something in them that I aspire to be. And I think that kind of helps keep me motivated, it grounds me in the things that I really want to achieve.” Mr. Gallagher says his role models have shown him how to work hard, be a good person, deal with setbacks, and over come adversity. He finishes his interview listing off some of the people on his wall: Mother Theresa, Henry David Thoreau, Gandhi, Viktor Frankl, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, John Muir, Neil Jablon, Robert F. Kennedy, Rocky, Wendell Berry, Bob Marley, Sherry Turkle, Helen Keller, Michael Easter, Abraham Maslow, Tia-Clair Toomey, Brittany Howard, Glen Greenwald, and many more.
Mr. Slonaker is a resource teacher at MHS. He teaches his special education students a variety of subjects. He wants to guide them to become better well-rounded young adults when they graduate. Mr. Slonaker’s role model is his father. He said his father is, “a hardworking, honest person I strive to be like as well.” His father taught him to “always give a hundred percent in what you do. Never half effort anything.” Mr. Slonaker attributes his work ethic to his father. He also added, “sometimes you got to stay late, to get the job done.”
Ms. Whisel is a chemistry teacher who teaches grades 10-12. She is also the Cross Country and one of the track coaches. Ms. Whisel’s role models are her grandmothers. They had an impact on who she is today. She said, “I was very blessed to have two grandmothers who were very godly women. They were very patient, kind, loving, and loved their families. They just really invested a lot into me.” Ms. Whisel said these are the traits that she learned from them. She applies the patience she’s learned to all aspects of her life, especially when teaching lively students. She also said, “knowing that you have somebody who is there for you, being supportive, and always being excited, being the person who’s ready to celebrate with me and my accomplishments no matter how big or small” has really affected her. One last thing she wanted to share was, “If you look around that, there are gonna be people in your life who are gonna be there for you and you just have to find those people, they are very important to hold onto.”
Dallas Richards is a senior on our boys' varsity soccer team. He is involved with Boy Scouts, Student Council, and Speech and Debate. Dallas said his role model is his oldest brother, Tyler Richards. His brother was the first to play on the soccer team and each of the Richards' brothers followed in his steps. The school hasn’t had a Richards' on the team for over a decade now. His brother graduated from MHS then WVU. He studied abroad as well and visited 13 different countries. Dallas admires his brother because “he focused on himself, and he was very successful. I thought looking at that as one of my examples to lead off of, he was very strict, and he was straightforward with his work. He persevered and went through everything he needed to do.” Dallas also said got to see his brother build connections and a network of friends, and comments “it was amazing to watch.” His older brother provided Dallas with some treasured experiences, bringing him and his other brothers along on some of his travels. I asked what he learned from his older brother he said, “You need to keep your people close, and you need to follow up. Having people to hang out and do certain activities with. He has a lot of friends all over the place.” Dallas notes how his brother didn’t let anyone steer him down a different path. Dallas knows to stay true to himself thanks to his brother.
Amaya Mott is the Junior Class President, participates in Good Times, Youth Leadership Association, Mental Wellness Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and many more! Her role model is her dad. She said, “He provides me with guidance, and endless support in everything I do. He’s really the only reason why my relationship with Jesus is as strong as it is, because he constantly encourages me to explore my faith and find the things that make me the happiest.” She’s learned from him that, “no matter how far down the wrong path you are, you can always make it out.” The last thing Amaya shared was that, “He’s the best.”
Koi Fagan is a senior quarterback on our football team. He is a creative individual who enjoys playing piano. Koi’s role model is his mother. He said, “She displays a lot of traits that I model from her. She’s really kind and considerate. She always knows when something’s wrong and how to fix a problem.” Some things he’s taken away from her are, “to always be confident. Believe in yourself.” Koi described himself as humble and quiet, not really confident in himself. His mom would tell him, “To be confident in himself and his abilities.” Koi’s parting words were to “never take anybody in your life for granted, and how they could affect your life in a positive way. To always cherish them while they are here and appreciate what they give to you.”
By Savannah Malatt
MHS Newspaper’s Student Spotlight of the month is Jordynn Rascoe! Jordynn is a senior who has made a big impact on our school through her dedication, passion, and involvement. When asked about how she’s contributed to MHS, she said, “Yearbook is so important to me, and I’ve been devoted to making sure everyone feels included in it. I think everyone deserves to get in front of a camera and say cheese once in a while,” continuing, “Yearbook captures the moments we’ll want to remember in 20 years. Even though high school can be hard, highlighting times when we were happy and having fun can really change people’s mindsets. I’m glad I get to do that.”
Jordynn’s dedication goes beyond just yearbook. She’s also a member of Youth for Progress, Student Council, and manages the lacrosse team. Her involvement in these activities show her drive to make MHS a better place. Jordynn has big dreams after High School and can’t wait to continue her life when she leaves. She plans to go to college to become a nurse practitioner and eventually start a nonprofit organization to help women and children affected by human trafficking. Her passion for helping others is inspiring and shows the kind of person she is.
As a senior, Jordynn is enjoying the last few months of her high school journey. “I like knowing I’m almost done, and that definitely helps with senioritis,” she expressed. “But it’s also sad to think about leaving my friends.”
