LHS Publications

Mrs. Gehrke gratefully holds the basket of treats she has been given for receiving Teacher of the Year.

Teacher of Year is one of the most prestigious awards an educator can gain here at Liberty High School. And on Nov. 17, ELA, Theater Teacher and Director of the Drama Club/Thespian Troupe, Melissa Gehrke, received that honor. 

After multiple years of teaching at Liberty, Mrs. Gehrke was finally recognized for her actions that went beyond the standard of just being a good teacher. She humbly accepted her award last Monday morning in front of staff members as principal Mr. Nelson made the announcement. She made it a point to thank the staff of Liberty for choosing her to win this award as well. 

Then, Mrs. Gehrke further explained what she felt in the moment of being chosen for this award. 

“It is humbling to be chosen as Teacher of the Year,” Gehrke said. “Our building is filled with so many exceptional educators, and any number of them are so deserving as well. It also means so much because the award is chosen by the staff in the building, and I’m honored that they chose me.”

Along with that, theater student Echo Brooke (12), shared how they felt when Mrs. Gehrke was chosen for Teacher of the Year. 

“I am so happy that Gehrke is getting recognized as teacher of the year,” Brooke said. “She is an incredible teacher, and she has supported and been there for me and so many others, so she is beyond deserving of this award.”

What’s more is that theater student Marley Higlen (11) demonstrated how Mrs. Gehrke goes above and beyond what is required of a teacher. 

“Mrs. Gehrke is way more than a teacher and that’s one of the first things I noticed about her my freshman year,” Higlen said. “She goes above and beyond what a teacher is required to. She is constantly checking in and providing support in any way she can give it, even if she just met you.”

Mrs. Gehrke also made sure to thank her students by going on to express that she would not have made it to this moment without them and that they are the reason she’s a better teacher. 

“Oh my goodness, my students are the reason I’m a better teacher,” Gehrke said. “They are my collaborators, my ‘think tank’, and they show such admiration for each other when something they created comes to fruition. They are so clever, witty, and smart. Their ideas push me to be a better teacher and director.”

But Mrs. Gehrke is changing the lives of students as well and having a positive impact on them. And Brooke further expounded on this by sharing their personal experience of having Mrs. Gehrke as a teacher. 

In addition to that, Higlen conveyed one of the important lessons she has learned from having Mrs. Gehrke as a teacher. 

“Gehrke has taught me to be patient with myself,” Higlen said. “I often compare myself and don’t give myself credit for things I’ve done or said. But Gehrke from day one saw and acknowledged all I was doing. She makes me feel like I always have someone to go to during the school day.”

“During ‘Hadestown’, I was really struggling feeling like I deserved Persephone or was doing anything right with the show or her character,” Higlen said. “I simply just didn’t feel like I was good. And I can clearly remember on multiple accounts Gehrke talking with me and reminding me that I got the role for a reason and pointing out moments that she thought I nailed. Gehrke is a huge reason I am who I am in school and that I have the confidence to know when I do good work.”

But not only has Mrs. Gehrke had an impact on students, she’s also had an impact on theater as a whole too and in many ways, has changed it for the better. And Higlen illustrated just exactly how Mrs. Gehrke has done this. 

“I met one of my best friends doing theater and it’s only because of Gehrke that I stayed with it long enough to find that friend,” Higlen said. “Mrs. Gehrke understands the work and most importantly the empathy it takes to be a good theater teacher and director. And she understands it a little too much sometimes when she makes our bad days her problems, which I am always forever grateful for.”

Brooke also indicated what sets Mrs. Grehke apart from other teachers. 

“She takes time with her students and really gets to know all of us,” Brooke said. “She supports us in a way I’ve never seen before with other teachers.”

Additionally, Mrs. Gehrke shared crucial advice for new teachers and the next generation. 

“For new teachers, it would be that it’s okay to admit you don’t know the answer, but the follow up needs to be to SHOW the students HOW to find the answer,” Gehrke said. “Demonstrate that learning is admirable, and that anyone who claims to know everything can’t be trusted. For the next generation, the answer goes hand in hand – the learning is the fun part. Also, more than anything, creating an atmosphere of respect, kindness, and drive is what breeds success.”

Lastly, Mrs. Gehrke conveyed how grateful she feels to be a part of Liberty High School and expounded on what legacy she thinks she is leading here. 

“I feel honored to represent Liberty. This is the best place I’ve ever worked, and I am always proud to say that I am an educator at Liberty,” Gehrke said. “As for a legacy, I think I am leading a legacy of creativity and art rooted in building a space where anyone can find a home and belong.”