Jennifer Sturgell

I am an AACPS: Alum, Shady Side Elementary, Southern Middle, Southern High ’91 | Employee, Shady Side Elementary School | Parent

As I entered Shady Side Elementary in my new role as a teacher in August of 1996, a familiar voice spoke to me.  It was Mrs. Sarah Sheckells, my former art teacher.  She reached out to hug me and congratulate me on my new job.  Over the last 21 years, Mrs. Sheckells transitioned from my classroom teacher to a peer, mentor, colleague, and friend but what she doesn’t know was that she continued to teach me and touch my heart even when I wasn’t a “student” in her class.  She helped me become the teacher I am today.  She is my biggest supporter and always is willing to lend a hand in any hair brained scheme I have.  She supports our PTO, Equity Team, GOTR and any other event at our school.  This June, Mrs. Sheckells will close her art room for the last time after 37 years of teaching.  Even though I will miss her tremendously next year, a little part of Mrs. Sheckells will always live through me.  Her wisdom and fairness will spread to the students I continue to teach long after she has retired to North Carolina.  She is deserving of every accolade AACPS could bestow on her; I just wanted her to know she has my heart!