by Shelley Bennett
Today is a day to celebrate two of my former students! They have made me very proud and as I reflected on my time being their teacher, it brought back some good memories.
The first is Katelyn Ernaga. I have known Katelyn since she was a tiny dancer attending Little Grizzliette Dance camp. She is the daughter of my colleague Jim and Misty Ernaga.
I have always been in awe of Katelyn’s confidence. When she was a Miss Lassen Co. contestant, she shined onstage while she told the poignant story of her grandfather’s stint in the MLB.
As a student in my true crime themed English class, she took on every assignment with a genuine interest and deep curiosity.
After graduation, Katelyn attended Lassen Community College and joined the first ever Registered Nursing Degree Program. It was typical Katelyn to become a pioneer in something. I’m sure that her participation has helped shaped that program from beginning to end.
I was impressed by the program’s involvement in the community. From flu shot clinics, to health fairs, and many other local events, I would see Katelyn in her scrubs. She kept me updated on her progress and even texted when a particularly gruesome true crime case would come up so we could share our theories.
In December, Katelyn and her classmates completed their coursework and were pinned in an RN Ceremony. She is currently practicing to take the NCLEX and waiting for an upcoming test date. Katelyn will also be interviewing for local nursing positions.
Congratulations and Good Luck Katelyn! You have already given back to the community you were raised in and I know you will continue your good work.
Casey Lee is the next former student I want to recognize. You see, the student/teacher relationship with Casey and I didn’t have the greatest beginning.
He was one of those students whose reputation proceeded him. I had heard all about this good-natured class clown and I was determined to give him a fresh start. Maybe he had matured over the summer. 😊
Casey was in my Speech and English 12 classes. I think he even moved to Journalism and TA by the second semester. Despite his stellar ability to get those around him (and usually me too) off task, Casey had some super powers.
He was a gifted writer, polished public speaker, and had mastered the art of debate.
I remember reading one of the sports articles he wrote for the Lassen County Times during his Senior Project hours. I think it was about a recent basketball game.
His play-by-play of the contest drew the reader in and set them up for the celebration or heartbreak of the game’s outcome. His game analysis was on point and he praised his classmates for their part in the competition.
After graduation in 2007, Casey joined the Army and served for eleven years. When he had leave, he would visit my classes and talk about his time as an interrogator in Afghanistan. I could not believe the change in him.
He was mature and well-spoken and could really reach the kids who had similar high school experiences. When his enlistment was over, he returned to Susanville and started coaching baseball.
We kept in touch and a year or two ago, he told me he was close to finishing his bachelor’s degree. He was attending Chico state, majoring in English. I was stunned. It was a moment where I knew he had it in him all along, it just took Casey a few years to catch on.
Last month, Casey completed his coursework and earned his BA in English, a minor in Creative Writing, and a certificate in Editorial and Publishing, with honors.
To top it off, Casey and his wife Nicomi are expecting their first baby very soon and I can’t wait to meet her!
Congrats Casey! I meant what I said about the student teaching. I would love to share my classroom with you.
Although my beginnings with Katelyn and Casey couldn’t be more different, the outcome is the same. I have a deep, overwhelming feeling of pride for what they have accomplished. I am excited to see what their future holds and be part of their community. And I am so thankful that I got to be a small part of it.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
