Reading High School's class of 2020 thanks favorite teachers

READING, Ohio (WKRC) – Virtually everything education is online right now and will be for the remainder of the school year in Ohio.

That means most annual events are being done very differently, if at all. At Reading High School, the annual Influential Teacher Awards are still happening; there’s just no crowd there to cheer them on.

Each year, the high school recognizes its top 10 academic students, who in turn give a speech about the teacher that most influenced them during their time at Reading. The night is usually full of emotion, applause and hugs. Most of that is missing this year. Students and teachers are six feet away and they can’t say goodbye like they want to.

“I so want to hug you right now," said teacher Diane Fisher to Kalyn Reichling.

Reichling replied, “I know; we can’t.”

Despite the distancing, it’s a moment everyone needed.

"This is obviously strange, but the students appreciate that we are doing it,” said math teacher Mike Day.

So instead of the big crowds and family, one at a time, each student arrives at school and gives a quick speech to their teacher.

“When I first entered Ms. Fisher‘s class as a seventh-grader, I had no idea the impact she would leave on me,” said Reichling of Fisher.

And Kylie Scmidt said this of Mandy Shinkle: "Ms. Shinkle is the epitome of tough-love, and I cannot thank her enough for making me a stronger player on and off the field."

And Nate Grant praised Ronda Eisenhard, saying: "I truly hope I can help others in a way as meaningfully as Ms. Eisenhard has done for me.”

Two students thanked teacher Brian Page.

"He has never fallen short of showing me he is invested in my future career and wants to see me succeed,” said Emily Brandt.

Kristen Cain echoed the sentiment:

“Mr. Page has shown time and time again he isn’t afraid to go above and beyond for anyone.”

Day is the event organizer but knows the feeling of being on the other end before. He says you try your best to make a difference but really never know if your actions inspire students.

“You just never know when one phrase or sentence is going to change a child’s life,” said Day. “They can quote you the exact day and time of when the teacher said something that made a huge impact on their life. That to me is what we are here for.”

As the seniors depart, they’ll leave making sure their teachers get the praise they deserve. And although the moment isn’t what it should have been, it still happened. And it’s something, like this year, no one will ever forget.