Sound Off: Teachers who have impacted The Tower’s student reporters

What teacher has impacted you the most this school year, whether it was fall or spring term?     

Dario Rodriguez, Student Reporter  

This my most influential teacher wasn’t a teacher of mine, it was my counselor, Mrs. Woods. With this being my senior year of high school, the next step for me was figuring out college and possibly a career. Mrs. Woods was a big help in that process. She sent me scholarships to apply for, people to reach out to for college, she suggested what classes I should take, and so many other things I can’t even think of right now. During my junior year Mrs. Woods also helped me pick out classes that would give me a smooth senior year rather than having to take so many A-G classes at the last minute. I would not be where I am or be doing what I’m doing without her.  

Stephany Medina, Student Reporter

The most influential teacher that I had this year was Mrs. Haskett. I have taken her previously for English Honors I and I absolutely loved the class. She helped me improve my writing tremendously and provides a welcoming environment. In her class she has almost everything you could need — a pencil, phone charger, a snack, etc. I decided to take her again for creative writing and she continues to make a positive impact in my life. She is very optimistic and overall, a very delightful teacher. Haskett opens her doors for any student and is why I enjoy writing. Her curriculum is always pleasurable and entertaining.    

Bryan Jimenez, Student Reporter

The most influential teacher that I’ve experienced having was Mrs. Ridoloso. I believe she was the only teacher who stood out because she would joke around and make us feel comfortable. She made me comfortable speaking the language that I’ve always hated to speak because it was considered not fluent. She made us feel safe by making us feel at home. We all grew up in a different culture that what most classes provide at Manteca High, and Ridoloso was able to make us feel at home because she was from the same culture.

Jesus Sarmiento, Student Reporter

A teacher that I have respect for this year is coach Brian Rohles because he has helped me, and my classmates understand the importance of maintaining your body fit and healthy. Rohles is the lookout of the pack because he is always looking to see if they are doing the exercise right or need help with their form. Coach Rohles has really made me understand what is good for the body and what isn’t, another way he has helped was how important form can be when lifting weights. 

Gabriel Martinez, Student Reporter 

I believe Mr. Burns impacted me the most this school year. I first met Mr. Burns in his Sports Media class, which I was in from August to December. In Sports Media, I met a lot of nice people and made good memories with those people. I was put in front of a camera often, which put me out of my comfort zone. Though I wasn’t fond about being on camera at first, I soon enjoyed talking about what I love most — sports. One writing assignment of mine in that class stood out to Mr. Burns, and shortly after, I started covering sports events, mainly for The Tower and FrontRowPreps.com, a digital media company. Thankfully, I was given the opportunity to replace my geometry class with a journalism class taught by Mr. Burns. Without the encouragement and support of Mr. Burns, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get my work put in The Tower. 

Caylen Garibay, Student Reporter

I believe the most influential teacher of the year in my mind is Ms. Sumrall. She is an amazing history teacher and former English teacher. At times, it may seem that she gives too much work, but she makes it where you can complete it in time if you commit to it. She is good at influencing discipline into your routine and will challenge you on your education journey. Having her as a teacher can be tough, but in the way that tests your ability to work and learn in the real world, and she really shows how being lazy will slowly creep up on you, and how working hard can eventually lead into your success over time, all with patience and a positive attitude. 

Isabella Gillette, Student Reporter 

A teacher who has impacted my time at Manteca High was Mr. Burns. This entire school year I’ve taken his journalism class and have grown to enjoy it. This was not always the case. I joined the class and I hated writing, and I was not as responsible. But once Burns held me accountable and my dad threatened to send me back to Sierra High, I knew I had to switch up my act. I think after that I had a better work ethic and I got what I needed to do done. The way he runs his class is different than any other teacher I’ve had before, and I think it allows kids to be creative and feel more in charge of themselves in a way.