Many Hands Made Light Work
Courtesy of Ms. Reeves-Hampton
Sadly this year journalism says goodbye to Ms. Gunnison who has advised journalism for 12 years. “I feel like it’s the end of an era and I’m super happy for her because I know she’s got a lot going on in her life and it’s time to take a break,” said yearbook teacher Ms. Zensius.
Many of Ms. Gunnison’s former students were surprised and disappointed when they heard about her leaving the class. “I’m surprised and a little sad because I feel like the class won’t be the same without her,” said Mika Talwar.
Many journalism alumni look back fondly on the relationships they had with Ms. Gunnison.
“The best way to describe my relationship with Gunni is like a cool aunt. Like she’s cool because she’s younger than my parents but still old enough to give advice on life you know? She really helped me figure out what I wanted to do in my life and who I wanted to be. Even after I graduated she was still such a good mentor and friend. It’s funny to think that if I hadn’t joined journalism my freshman year how different high school would have been because I never would have met Gunni,” said former student Alison Taplin.
Journalism will be taken over next year by fellow English teacher Ms. Anders. “I don’t know what was here before her but I know the students love her and that’s not always the case. Often the person who runs the paper is someone who is feared. I think that’s pretty amazing that she brought a sort of warmth to journalism.” said Anders. “I love her, she seems to really get me and she’s been incredibly welcoming to me this year and I feel heard when I speak to her,” said Anders.
The journalism class helped many students find a community within Las Lomas. “The greatest part about being in journalism was feeling like part of a family,” said former student Sarah Cole.
Many students felt that Ms. Gunnison treated them with the respect meant for adults. “Gunni gave us information and discussion like adults and support like the delicate teenagers we were. I learned more about the world and people in her class than any college course I’ve taken,” said former student Lauren Gardner.
“Gunni always treated me with respect. She gave me room to figure things out and be dumb. And I think that was a big part of our relationship, me being dumb and Gunni being really nice about it and supporting me no matter what,” said former student Gracie Gardner.
“She guided us in a way that made us feel free in what we were doing, but also never neglected us when we needed help. She was always there to make sure that what we were trying to accomplish met our expectations. She pushed me as a journalist in a way I didn’t think I could be pushed and she inspired me to always be the best writer I could be,” said former student Amanda Denison.
“She taught me about ethical writing and what it meant to be impartial as a journalist. You could say she was my mentor? But it was really just the precious and supportive relationship you are supposed to have with your teacher,” said Lauren Gardner.
Many alumni remember the gratifying feeling that comes with publishing the Page. “I remember many stressful late nights laying out the pages to be published, but they were always worth it in the end when we could see our work laid out in print. We got to publish our thoughts and feelings and frustrations on paper, which was arguably one of the coolest and most liberating experiences of my high school experience,” said former student Ben Kirsebom.
Ms. Gunnison will be greatly missed and journalism will suffer a great loss.
“Ms. Gunnison, thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the love I have for literature and journalism. I feel so lucky that I was able to enjoy all four years of my High School career with you playing a huge part in my journey. You are an outstanding teacher, mentor and friend. I think of you all the time and I hope our paths cross again someday soon,” said Denison.
“I would tell Gunni thank you for being everything a high school teacher should be which is a leader, mentor, and friend. I am so glad I got to spend 4 years of journalism with you in room 502. And I hope you know the positive impact you have had on my life in addition to many other students you have had over the years. Thank you for all you have done at Las Lomas and I am excited for your next adventure,” said Taplin.
No matter what direction the Page goes in next, we can all agree that Ms. Gunnison has changed all of our lives in one way or another.
“The Page IS Gunni. She has put all of her being into teach- ing the students here good and honest journalism. No matter what happens to The Page it will always be Gunni’s paper,” said Lauren Gardner.
