Though goodbyes are tough, it is important to recognize the legacies left behind. graphic by Brooklyn Darden
These staff members will always be held in high regard for their devotion to this school.
Thomas Jefferson High School has had many outstanding individuals that have all left behind a lasting legacy year after year. It’s always sad to see wonderful staff members depart from places they’ve known and loved for years. Sharon Colbath, Jonathan Howard, Carla Allen, Sarah Cantrell, and Amy Kalinchuk have all dedicated themselves towards the betterment of TJ and furthering the learning of countless students. Goodbyes are always tough, but rest assured that their memories will never be forgotten.
Colbath is the longest tenured DPS teacher. She has taught for 40 years, 35 of which found her teaching various science classes here at TJ. For the past several years, she has taught Chemistry. Through her lessons, she has pushed several students to take the lessons she taught in her class further on like AP Chemistry and even majors and careers in such fields. “Coming into my sophomore year, I didn’t know anything about Chemistry,” junior Archana George stated “But by the end of the year, I was able to do hard stoichiometry equations and balance complex equations. Mrs. Colbath pushed for me to take the knowledge she saw within me and apply it to AP Chemistry.” George is one of many students who have been motivated to pursue great things by Colbath, and that is one of the things she strives to do. “I hope I have left them with the knowledge that they can do anything they want if they work hard. They are smart enough to do anything.” Between her tricks to memorize periodic table elements, and her unwavering dedication towards students’ understanding, TJ will forever be grateful for the effort that Colbath has put into all of her students’ education . Colbath shares the gratitude, accrediting her longevity to the community and culture built here at TJ: “I feel lucky I got a job at TJ, the supportive environment here has made it possible to work this long.”
Allen is the Athletic Secretary and Treasurer here at TJ. During her time, she has provided students with assistance in their pursuit of high school sports. Allen has been a dutiful and key part of TJ’s staff for nine years. While assisting Athletic Director Anne Rice in the world of sports, Allen also works diligently to keep track of TJ’s expenses. She organizes the funding of DJs for school dances and tracking money in school accounts. Allen is there for any student with any questions about payments for activities, tests etc. Besides her key role in the system of TJ, Allen is also a giant contributor towards the culture of TJ, always offering students a smile, and bringing her best attitude every single day. Allen will be dearly missed by all students she has had the pleasure of working with. To all of the staff, who could not imagine a TJ without her influence, she is equally grateful for space that has allowed her to grow in for almost a decade: “I hope that every student I have had the pleasure of interacting with has felt loved, heard and left knowing I truly care about all of them. I have enjoyed my time at TJ and hope they will remember me for more than being the ‘Snack Lady.’” The snacks are only one of many things that students will remember about Ms. Allen.
Howard is another teacher that TJ will sadly be losing. Howard has dedicated four years here at TJ, but has decades of experience as a public school teacher. His desire to further students’ learning in the arts and technology led him to becoming the advisor of TJ’s own SkillsUSA chapter. As an advisor, Howard’s guidance helped build the confidence of his chapter, leading to a SkillsUSA state officer team composed of six students from TJ, almost 100% of the team. This is a feat that is unheard of, and could not have happened without his unrelenting and incomparable support. Howard teaches Graphic Design, a class that pushes students to express themselves in a new medium. “I hope my students will challenge themselves to always be creative and curious,” Howard said, his dedication to expanding the thinking of every student he encounters will be impossible to replace. Howard has surrounded himself in art throughout the years of his career, and in his retirement, he plans to continue that trend, taking time to “travel and write music.” Under Howard, SkillsUSA has received many Gold Chapter of Distinction Awards, countless medalists, and several state officers from TJ, and Howard has pushed students to create more, and express themselves with the tools he has provided them
Kalinchuk has given 34 years of service to education, nine of them being here at TJ. Like Allen, Kalinchuk arrived here in 2017, and has been a beam of light ever since. With decades of experience, Kalinchuk ensures that every student has what they need to succeed. “It is always my hope that my students gain life skills that, when implemented, will help give them a choice later on in life.” This is something that she takes in stride, making every lesson plan engaging and insightful for each student, for example the birthday party she throws for all of her students, where they all come together and celebrate their birthday as a way to break out of their shells and build confidence with their peers. In her retirement, Kalinchuk plans to “work for my soap company (soapcrone.com), and I will publish my book, How to Write: Emails, Essays, and Everything Else (howtowrite.net). It is a writing style guide to help all writers in English write clearly and find their voice.” Even after hanging up her duties, Kalinchuk plans to continue to educate the next generation, whether that be students, or fellow authors.
Cantrell is an ELD (English Language Development) teacher here at TJ. Born in West Africa, she has dedicated years to learning and traveling. Her immersion in different cultures helped her to connect with her students and meet their needs. She expressed, “I hope that my students felt valued and that I listened to them. I hope they recognize that I loved teaching them but also I loved learning about them and their lives. I hope they believe that I taught them how to be successful and that they are unique and I enjoyed being around them.” The time and effort she has put into each student will never be forgotten, along with the positive attitude that she brings every day, not just for her students but for everyone here at TJ. In her retirement, Cantrell plans to “work in our yard, help my parents who are 85 years old and hopefully sub at TJ. I plan to try to go to many of my daughters’ activities, be present for my family, and travel.” After years of dedication to education, Cantell leaves behind a legacy of someone always willing to help, and meet students where they are.
Selfishly, it is hard to say goodbye to staff that have changed the lives of countless individuals here at TJ. It is with a grateful heart that TJ thanks these individuals for what they have accomplished within the school. The entire TJ community wishes all of them good luck on any future endeavors.
