2021-2022 Teacher of the Year & Scholarship Awardees
Nicole Eskridge
How did you end up at Reynolds high school?
My husband and I wanted to relocate from Charleston, SC in order to be close to family. Our daughter was starting kindergarten, and we wanted her to be near her grandparents. I went to the career fair for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and interviewed with Dr. Alexander and Ms. Archie for an opening in occupational course of study.
How did what you heard about RJR match what you actually found at RJR?
I had not heard much about RJR coming from out of state, but I found is an amazing diverse group of students and staff.
What was an average day at school like for you this year?
This year has been unlike any other. Teachers and staff have provided more emotional support than ever before. I am not sure there has been an average day, but my typical day begins around 7:00 with text or phone calls from parents. I teach 3 periods daily and usually spent my planning periods writing or holding IEP meetings or covering other classes due to staff absences or unfilled positions. Our students in the Occupational Course of Study were excited to get back to some type of normalcy as far as going off campus for community based training with our business partners, but have needed a great deal of social emotional learning around behavior and communications at the job sites. Our students had an advantage because many of them were able to come back earlier than other students in the district, and we had already set some expectations for them. Aggression was very high with students earlier in the year, but that has seemed to curb some.
What are the courses you instruct in RJR (and please give a brief description of each course)?
We have a four person team at RJR for our OCS department. I primarily teach English and the other teachers specialize in History, Math and Science. I taught English ll, lll and lV this year. English ll and lll were were typical English courses. English lV is a course where we teach students how to write a professional portfolio that includes a cover letter, resume, thank you letters, and letters of recommendation. The students are also must create a slideshow and present to a panel of judges a summary of their experiences over the four years in the program. I also taught Biology this year in Career Training Classes because we were down one teacher for most of the year due to a medical leave of absence. Biology was a typical science class and Career Training Classes cover standards such as interview skills, professional writing, and filling out job applications. The students must have 600 work hours to graduate, so they would work around campus, go to community based training sites and/or submit hours from paid employment.
How would you size up the RGR student body?
The RJR student body is incredibly diverse. We have a wonderful mix of ethnicities and talents.
What is your family life like?
I've been married almost 12 years. We have a 10 year old daughter and a little miniature schnauzer. Most of our evenings and weekends revolve around our daughter’s social calendar.
Why did you go into teaching as a career?
Teaching is my second career. I started out as a service coordinator for children and adults with disabilities.
Is there anything else you would like to tell the RJR Alumni?
I would like to share that winning Teacher of the Year is the most humbling experience in my life. Winning an award from your peers is the absolute highest honor as a professional. Thank you to the RJR Alumni for your generous gift.
Fatima Oumar
What do you like academically about RJR?
When I first arrived at Reynolds High School, I was welcomed with an enthusiastic learning environment, one that allowed me to grow and flourish academically and socially. A needed experience that has expanded my knowledge of American society, customs and culture and global awareness. With English being my third language and newly arriving in the United States, there were many academic challenges that I faced…but they were gradually handled by RJR staff and teachers. From ESL classes to honors and AP classes I was able to both challenge myself and gain a basic understanding of my needs that has enabled me to progress academically. What I like academically about RJR is that the teachers care about what they do. They have passion for their subject and that shows through the students accomplishments.
What do you dislike academically about RJR?
Perhaps the lack of advertisement of certain courses and activities and opportunities being offered at Reynolds. I feel that this can and has led to missed opportunity and potential of many students.
What “after-hours” school activities do you participate in?
With the unfortunate event of COVID, many students missed opportunities and experiences that come with high school, and many plans of joining sports and clubs are put on a pause. In my senior year, though, I was fortunate enough to join clubs in participate in services that help the RJR school community. Those activities consisted of the National Honor Society. Spanish Honor Society, Ebony Society Club, Student Government Association, Diverse Inclusive Demons, as well as being a student ambassador in which I helped with the magnet arts aspect of RJR.
What do you like (and/or dislike) “socially” about RJR?
One thing that I love about the social community of RJR is how open minded and welcoming students are with each other. The very harsh readjustments of the pandemic only created a community of understanding, supporting and adaptable students. From hallways, to bathrooms to the cafeteria, and even in classrooms the social environment created by the students has made RJR high school a tight knitted community…one that welcomes, encourages, helps and enforced growth.
Who was (or were) your favorite teacher(s) and coach(es), and why?
My most favorite impactful teachers throughout my high school career were the ones I met my freshman year and ended with my senior year. Coming in as a freshman who still had to take ESL classes, I was met with a teacher who reassured me that I was in good hands. With their encouragement, I took honors classes. I challenged myself and expected more from myself. My senior year, I was once again met with the same encouraging and tight knitted community before the pandemic, but this time more resilient and determined about each student's success.
Shout out to Ms. Whitehead. Her constant smile that welcomed every student as they entered the student services staff’s room, only to leave reassured.
What was an average day at RJR like this year?
Exciting school can often be exhausting for many students, and to an extent, it was for me as well. However, school for me has been a refreshing experience as I got to see and interact with my friends and classmates…especially after a year and a half of quarantine. The average day at RJR is filled with interactions that enables me to learn a little, help a little, and more importantly grow and challenge myself more. Despite having a head start with college applications: campus visits and after school activities, the daily interactions with my classes and teachers has made the stress more bearable.
What will you remember best about going to Reynolds?
Senior/Class Day. I think leaving high school for many of us students is an understanding that our childhood has come to a halt. To celebrate going into adulthood and cherishing the very precious memories and moments that shaped us, we won't we went to a park. After hours of scholarship and award recognition and celebrating each other's growth and success, it was beyond refreshing seeing 18 year olds reliving those childlike experiences. Just as we pushed through the year and the pandemic, we pushed one another on the swings and slides. Bright smiles and harmonized laughter; this has become a photographic memory.
What will be your worst memories about going to Reynolds?
I think one of the worst and saddest memories I have of Reynolds was when the virus was at its peak, and the state required exams still be administered and I had to go back to school to take some. The lonely hallways and empty classrooms caused by the pandemic left me feeling eerie. It reminded me of how covid has robbed us of our high school experience.
What was your favorite class you took (and why)?
Definitely Psychology with Mr. Wainwright. It was my first AP class very AP experience. The teacher was spontaneous yet reassuring. He had a sense of understanding towards his students. Then COVID hit, two weeks turned to two months and my sophomore year had come to an end. It was a new experience and as the first time went, it was scary. The preparation and results made it more anxious. But the journey and memories we made along the way despite the pandemic and quarantine, has made psychology an interesting start to my AP exploring journey.
What was the hardest class you took (and why)?
By far, AP United States History. Having over zoom made it very difficult, the lessons always felt disconnected, making them more difficult to learn. I don't think the AP course was hard, aside from the chapter quizzes, but I do know that taking over zoom and outside of the classroom made the understanding of the course incredibly challenging.
Considering all four years how will you remember your time at RJR (and feel free to express your honest opinion)?
One word resilient. The community of RJR High School has taught me to look for and create a sense of resilience in any community I become a part of. It has truly left a remarkable impression of how a community can be when staff, faculty, as well students come together and choose to push through adversity.
What would you change about RJR if you could (and why)?
I noticed that my honor and AP classes were as diverse as they can be. Though those courses are to be taken depending on the students academic performances, I fear that there's a lack of advertisement for those courses. I understand the fear surrounding AP courses and how difficult they can be but despite this, I know that there are many students who can perform very well in those classes. It is just a matter of encouragement as well as giving a more insightful informative advertisement on those courses.
Where you're going next year (school-wise), and what you'll be majoring in (if you know.)?
I'll be attending NC State University. I do not have a major set, but I will be in the Science and Humanities Department.
Is there anything else you want to tell the RJR Alumni about the four years you spent at Reynolds High School (and feel free to express your honest opinion)?
Thank you for such an honorable and incredible opportunity. I know that the recipients of this scholarship have to demonstrate what being a part of the RJR community looks like in the best ways possible understand that I am worthy of this scholarship is that I have continuously worked to be a part of the community that is Reynolds. Thank you for this opportunity and recognition.
Molly Hignite
What do you like academically about RJR?
I loved all the teachers and staff. They each cared about everyone's well being.
What do you dislike academically about RJR?
I loved everything. I just wish I could have a year and a half back from being online.
What “after hours” school activities do you participate in?
I was on the field hockey team as well as the soccer team. I was also the Student Body President for the 2022 school year, and the Student Body Vice President for the 2021 school year. I also loved going to the Girls Council meetings.
What do you like (and/or dislike) “socially” about RJR?
I love how RJR is like a family! At every sporting event or arts performance, everyone is a Demon at heart!!!
Who was (or were) your favorite teacher(s) and/or coach(es), and why?
My favorite coaches were all of my field hockey coaches. They all helped to shape me into the player I am today.
What was an average day at RJR like this year?
I had Career Center in the morning, but it was always a great end to my day with the sense of “home” I got at RJR…with lots of smiles and hugs from passing classmates.
What will you remember best about going to Reynolds?
I will remember all the relationship and bonds I have shared with my classmates. With the pandemic we all shared a unique experience together.
What will be your worst memories about going to Reynolds?
When we had to leave due to the presence of COVID.
What was the favorite class you took (and why)?
I loved Pre-Calculus class from my junior year. Although it was online, it helped me prove to myself that I could do anything that I set my heart to.
What was the hardest class you took (and why)?
My Biology and AP Calculus class or tied! Both pushed me very hard this year. But I really stretched my perseverance. I am proud that I stuck with them.
What would you change about RJR (if you could), and why?
RJR is one of my favorite places. Tthe school itself is the most beautiful campus in Forsyth County. And it has a strong sense of community.
Where you going next year (School-wise), and what will you be majoring in (if you know)?
I am going to UNC Chapel Hill and I'm planning to double major in Human Development and Family Studies in Psychology.
Is there anything else you want to tell the RJR alumni about the four years you spent at Reynolds High School (and feel free to express your honest opinion)?
Thank you so much for selecting me. It means so much, and I am honored to have even been considered for the scholarship. Go demons!