Every student has that one teacher who left an impact on them after the class ended (aside from a GPA boost… or drop). As the school year comes to a close, East’s seniors are not the only ones leaving the nest. Some of the school’s most impactful – and infamous – teachers are moving on from East for new, exciting beginnings.
As summer approaches, over a dozen teachers are getting ready to say farewell to life at East. But not without emotion.
“I’ve enjoyed every second here,” said Gerald Statome, East teacher of 15 years. “I loved this job. I’ve always walked out of here happy. I’m just ready to do something else.”
From soccer coaching to philosophy, Statome is familiar with teaching a variety of subjects, but believes it is not always about the content itself.
Though their degrees may signify expertise in teaching math equations or grammar structure, teachers’ jobs involve more than what ends up on report cards.
“Teaching is not about the subject,” Statome said. “We’re supposed to be impactful, not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom too. Making connections and sharing experiences… that’s what makes you a teacher.”
Though Statome has no set plans for his time after East, his ambition is more than definite.
“There are other things out there. I feel too good to not be doing something. I’m ready,” Statome said.
Statome is not the only east teacher with strong ambitions. After over 29 years of teaching, history teacher Miriam Pickens is looking to further her education journey beyond North Carolina high schools. From the teacher to the student, Pickens is ready to switch roles in the classroom as she works towards her PhD in History at Clemson University.
“Be a lifelong learner,” Pickens said. “Information and education are power in this world. That’s why I’m going back to school.”
Teachers aren’t the only ones who provide unique perspectives. As the 2nd most diverse public high school in North Carolina, East has a remarkable sense of culture. English teacher Patrice Frilot notes the importance of this unique environment.
“[Diversity] brings so much perspective into the classroom,” said Frilot. “Having such a melting pot of experiences on campus really helps students learn from each other and establish open-mindedness.”
Frilot is not done with teaching just yet. After five years at East, she is shifting to the administration field and preparing for her principal internship year. But as a mother of a former Eagle, coach, and teacher, East will always be a part of Frilot’s educational journey.
“We have a true connection with our students… it feels like a home away from home. That’s what I want to bring to the next space I’m in,” Frilot said.
While electives like CTE, Business and the arts may cater to students of various interests, the subjects’ teachers have made similar positive impacts. Both Kenneth Willis and Kari Owens are leaving students with skills that extend past their respective subjects. Similary, science teachers Katherine Reichelt and Devin Jones, math teacher Douglass Covell, Exceptional Children teacher Beverly McDonald and English Learners teacher Richard Bohan are leaving East’s students with lessons that go beyond the 25-25 gradebook.
After quite an eventful school year, East is facing even more changes as summer closes in. Though not everyone has gotten the opportunity to take Mr. Statome’s philosophy class or learn about the events of Pearl Harbor from Ms. Pickens, a new chapter can begin in more ways than flipping the page of a textbook. every decision made by East’s students, teachers, and staff members contributes to the school’s everchanging, flourishing community.
“Never discredit the impact that a small change can have on your life,” Frilot said. “Everything counts.”
