With the school year finally winding down, ABLLE counselor Gloria Rodriguez and Algebra II teacher Cynthia Sloan both plan on making the 2014 school year to be their last as educators.
Rodriguez has been here for 12 years and Sloan has been here for nine years. Both have plenty of memories and achievements here at Akins High School.
“My best memories are the people here,” Sloan said. “They’re some incredibly dedicated and talented people and teachers here. My favorite memory was when 100 percent of my students passed the Algebra II STAAR test.”
Rodriguez’s favorite memory originates from close to the beginning of the school’s history.
“Akins was only one year old, so it was a brand new school,” she said. “There were only freshmen, sophomores and juniors at the time so it was exciting.”
Sloan said her “amazing students” is what has kept her at Akins for so long.
“Seeing these kids and just knowing they’re going to be extremely successful,” she said.
Being educators here not only changed students lives but also their own lives, they said.
“First I started off as a teacher/coach then I moved up to a consoler,” Rodriguez said. “Helping people, that’s what it’s all about. I’m proud of what I’ve done to make Akins one of the best schools in the district.”
Sloan said teaching has made her more appreciative of the things he has.
“I have kids who have had to overcome so much in their lives where they didn’t have the endowments other students have,” Sloan said.
Before the two veterans leave Akins they both would like to leave some advice for the students and staff.
“Working hard pays off,” Sloan said. “It’s not a matter of money or brains but hard work.”
Rodriguez said students should “stand proud” and never give up.
“Work hard and move forward. Attitude will determine your success,” Rodriguez said.