It’s Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, and across Wheeling and the Ohio Valley, students, parents, and community members are raising their voices to say one thing loud and clear: thank you.
Teachers are more than just instructors—they’re mentors, motivators, and in many cases, lifelong inspirations. We asked our readers to share stories and shoutouts that honor the educators who made a lasting impact. The result? A powerful collection of gratitude from the people whose lives have been changed by a great teacher.
“They Never Gave Up on Me”
“Mrs. Wheeler at Wheeling Park High School saw something in me I couldn’t see in myself. I was struggling with my class load, and honestly wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to college. I’m now a second-year nursing student. I owe it all to her.”
Mrs. Eleanor White
A retired kindergarten teacher, Mrs. White is still substituting day in and day out. A kind, warm smile will always be seen on her face. “Thank you for being a beacon of light and love for our children.”
Moonjung Kang – Teaching Tough Love with Creative Grace
“Moonjung Kang, my graphic design professor at West Liberty University, had the rare gift of being brutally honest with kindness. She’d look at your work, smile, and say, ‘Maybe start over.’ And you’d want to do it again—because she believed in you.”
Mrs. Schmitt
Mrs. Schmitt is one of those rare teachers who leaves a lifelong mark on her students and families. She’s incredibly kind, patient, and has a true gift for helping children blossom—especially when it comes to building their confidence as readers.
Mrs. Renee Schneid
An 8th-grade teacher at Our Lady of Peace, Mrs. Schneid is wrapping up her 40th year of teaching. She’s known for expecting the best, caring deeply, and staying invested in her students long after they leave her classroom. She is a true pillar in the school’s community.
Mr. Mark Lindsay
Mr. Lindsay at Warwood School exemplifies professionalism and heart. Even after years in the classroom, his passion hasn’t faded—and he continues to inspire everyone around him.
Miss Bugaj
Miss Bugaj is the creative, endlessly patient teacher every child should have at least once. Her students and their families absolutely adore her! Every parent should have a teacher like Lindsey at least once during their child’s formative years. Thank you.
Mrs. Katie Wheeler
Mrs. Wheeler at Elm Grove Elementary is the kind of teacher both students and coworkers admire. Mallory and Claire loved being in her classroom, and her colleagues love working beside her.
Mrs. Alyssa (McKitrick) Allen
Mrs. Allen, known to some as Mrs. McKitrick, pours love into her classroom. Her students still talk about how much they adore her.
Mrs. Addie Boggs
“Miss Addie goes above and beyond every single day to make sure her students have the best experiences possible. Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed and we are so lucky to have her at Woodsdale.”
Sister Mary Brown – A Rock-and-Roll Heart with a Holy Mission
“Sister Mary Brown at Corpus Christi was one of a kind. A true music lover—she was a big Elvis fan—but even more than that, she knew how to connect with her students. She brought energy, humor, and faith into the classroom. You could tell she genuinely cared, and we all felt it.”
Mrs. Heidi Hohman
Ms. Hohman has been a true gift to our daughter, showing incredible patience and kindness as she navigates anxiety. Her support has extended beyond the classroom, helping our whole family feel seen and understood. Our daughter adores her, and we’re so grateful for the love and encouragement she brings to her students every day.
Mrs. Courtney Mellor
From hatching baby chicks in class to remembering every student by name, Mrs. Mellor brings joy to her classroom—and always makes her students feel seen and loved.
Mrs. MaryLu Hutchins
An inspiration to colleagues, Mrs. Hutchins opened doors for new teachers and helped shape their careers with her encouragement and vision. “I wouldn’t be where I am today in my career without her.”
Mrs. Betty Ann Stewart
“Mrs. Stewart was my fourth grade teacher, I always appreciated that she met us where we were at.”
Mrs. Fiano
Mrs. Fiano is known for her contagious excitement in the classroom. She’s always ready to tackle the day and make learning fun for her second graders.
Mrs. Laurel Chacalos
Mrs. Chacalos helped make third grade a place of discovery and growth. Her care made each student feel seen and supported.
Mrs. Droginske
Mrs. Droginske empowers students to find their voice and express it with confidence. Her impact as an English and speech teacher is profound. “Thank you for helping my daughter find her voice.”
Mr. Triveri
Mr. Triveri’s passion for history and ability to connect with students make his high school social studies classes unforgettable.
Ms. Amy Garber
Mrs. Garber is the first-grade teacher every parent hopes for—creative, calm, and deeply in tune with her students’ needs. “Always going above and beyond to make personal connections with my children and their siblings.”
Mrs. Ashley Wolfe
Ashley Wolfe brings warmth and creativity to everything she does. Her love for her young learners shines through in every lesson. Sikora Montessori is so fortunate to have her.
Mrs. Duff
Mrs. Duff at Wheeling Park High breaks down math with clarity, patience, and humor. Her classroom is where confidence begins.
Ms. Gail Adams
Ms. Adams wasn’t just an English teacher—she was a role model. She taught poise, grace, and how to believe in yourself. “I owe a lot of thanks to Miss Adams.”
Mrs. Eleni (Nardoni) Walters
Mrs. Walters is the creative teammate every school needs. Her passion and dedication are felt across the building every single day.
Mr. Pat Garrett
A legendary band director, Mr. Garrett taught more than music. He built discipline, love for the arts, and a sense of pride in every student he led. “Thank you, Mr. G!!!”
Mrs. Brandy LaFlam
Mrs. LaFlam’s third-grade classroom is a place of warmth, creativity, and belonging. She lifts every child up. “Thank you for being there for my kids during tough times.”
Mrs. Safreed
Middle school English teacher Mrs. Safreed has a special way of engaging and supporting students right when they need it most. Always creating out-of-the-box ideas!
Mrs. Douglas – Teaching Democracy in the 3rd Grade
“Mrs. Douglas taught elementary, and I had her in 3rd grade. She was the first teacher who made me excited about voting, the Constitution, and how government works. She always said, ‘Your voice matters,’ and I still hear her saying that today when I cast my ballot.”
Mrs. Becca
As a coworker, Mrs. Becca stands out for her constant compassion and tireless dedication. She puts her heart into everything she does.
Ms. Ginny Mancuso
Ginny Mancuso brings joy, laughter, and light to Woodsdale Elementary. She’s more than a colleague—she’s a bright light in everyone’s day.
Mrs. Bria Schultz
As a dance coach, Mrs. Schultz inspired confidence, discipline, and self-belief. She changed lives both on and off the floor! “Thank you for being such a positive role-model for my daughter!”
Mr. Bill Cornforth
Even in retirement, Mr. Cornforth’s legacy lives on. He wasn’t just a speech and theater teacher—he was a mentor who shaped hearts and minds. “Cornforth was like a dad to me, and I can’t help but feel so blessed to know him.”
Mrs. Lauren Peluchette
Mrs. Peluchette made fifth grade memorable. With the right balance of challenge and support, she helps students thrive. Not only that, but her energy and personality is a perfect fifth grade fit!
“Doing It for the Kids”
When we asked teachers why they do what they do—why they stay late, prep at night, and keep showing up—the answer was simple: “It’s for the kids.”
“You don’t always see the impact right away,” one teacher told us. “But every once in a while, a student comes back to say thank you—and that’s enough.”
– Middle School Teacher, Ohio County
To All the Teachers in the Ohio Valley: This Week Is for You
From kindergarten corners to college classrooms, from music rooms to math labs—our teachers are building futures every single day.
To every educator reading this: we see you. We appreciate you. And we thank you.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from all of us at Weelunk.
