Swainston student honors teacher
The teachers’ lounge at Swainston Middle School in North Las Vegas recently received new furniture and accessories, compliments of Walker Furniture’s 11th annual Teacher Appreciation Day program.
Each year, Walker Furniture, in cooperation with the Clark County School District School Community Partnership Program, gives students in Southern Nevada an opportunity to win new furnishings for their teachers lounge by writing a letter about their favorite teacher.
This year, Swainston Middle School was the winner, thanks to a letter written by sixth-grade student Absalon Williams on behalf of his English teacher Sylvia Baca. The furnishings included a sofa, love seat, cocktail table, end table, lamp and a bookcase.
After the furniture was delivered, Absalon’s class was given a pizza party, where the teacher and student received certificates for their achievements. For his outstanding letter, Absalon was presented with a $100 check from Walker Furniture. The company also will place a commemorative plaque at the school.
In his letter, Absalon said he has had many favorite teachers over the years, but none that he has appreciated more than Baca. He said she was his all-time favorite for many reasons that “cannot be explained in simple words.”
“For example, she offers her time and help to students who need it or simply just want to be ahead. She is one of the many outstanding staff at Swainston Middle School who makes every new student — such as myself — feel welcome into the T-Bird community,” he wrote.
Absalon further explained how Baca teaches in a unique way, vividly demonstrating the importance of every concept she shares with her students.
“When she teaches, she makes every student enthusiastic about learning and striving to apply themselves to earn the best grades possible. Out of every school I’ve attended, there hasn’t been a teacher that I appreciate more than Mrs. Baca,” he added. “Therefore, she is — and always will be — my favorite teacher, especially in English.”
Linda Alterwitz, director of community projects for Walker and program organizer, commended Absalon for his well-written letter and thanked Baca for her dedication.
“Our committee read hundreds of letters but yours, Absalon, was the best,” she said. “You write extremely well and the respect and admiration you have for Ms. Baca was evident throughout your letter.”
Addressing Baca, Alterwitz said, “You know that none of this would be possible without not only your commitment to educational excellence, but also your commitment and concern towards each student. We at Walker Furniture congratulate you and thank you for all you do for them.”
Baca said she was surprised and honored to learn that Absalon’s letter was the winner. “This is such an honor. Our entire class is very excited and proud of Absalon,” she said. “I am very gratified to be thanked by my students in such a way.”
Larry Alterwitz, CEO of Walker Furniture, said several hundred letters were received from students in this year’s Teacher Appreciation Day program and, as always, selecting the winner was a difficult task for the panel of judges.
“Throughout the year, we contribute to many worthwhile causes and we especially enjoy a program like this, which involves our local students and teachers,” he said. “Choosing the winner is always a big challenge because we receive so many letters on behalf of so many wonderful, hard-working teachers. We are delighted to present Mrs. Baca and all of the teachers at Swainston Middle School with these new furnishings and we congratulate Absalon Williams for his winning letter.”
Information courtesy Walker Furniture
