Inspired by Fort Zumwalt South high school, Ashley Hobbs, psychology teacher, brought the tradition of writing notes for teachers to Marquette where students could express their gratitude before graduation.
“At the end of the year at FZS, there was always a spot where kids could write a note thanking a staff member, and I thought that was so awesome,” Hobbs said.
The impact of these notes has stuck with Hobbs, and she said they continue to motivate her in her teaching.
“I keep a folder of all of those notes, so if I’m having a bad day or rough time teaching I can look back at them,” Hobbs said, “I call it my happy folder.”
When Hobbs moved down to her current room on the second floor in the early 2000’s, she wanted to incorporate that on a smaller level that would still have a significant effect. This inspiration has grown into the colorful display of heart-shaped notes on walls of the history wing.
“Every staff member is reflected on that wall, which reminds us that everyone’s job is important here,” Hobbs said.
Multiple staff members, current and retired, remain on the wall no matter how faded they become.
“As humans, it’s easy to latch on to the negative, so it’s important to be reminded of the positive,” Hobbs said.
Spreading positivity has always been a value of Hobbs that doesn’t go unnoticed within the community, Sophomore Principal Dr. Richard Regina said.
“Mrs. Hobbs is a very kind and generous person who never, ever forgets to say thank you,” Dr. Regina said.
Dr. Regina said sometimes staff members don’t realize how much of an impact they have on students.
“When you read it you realize, ‘wait a minute, somebody took the time to write that about me, and I meant something special to that person’,” Dr. Regina said.
Christian Kelly, senior, realized the value of the wall when he took AP Psychology as a junior. He said hearing Hobbs describe the purpose of it moved him.
“I think the wall is a nice gesture that is super appreciated and shows how much teachers impact the school,” Kelly said.
Kelly said he had multiple teachers that came to mind, and taking the time to think about their impact helped him see how much they’ve impacted the school.
“Mr. Frankenberger taught AP Computer Science and always was willing to stay after school to help me with something,” Kelly said. “I really appreciate it because it made me think back to everything that he advised me for.”
