As we approach the end of another school year, students anticipate the future, while teachers may wonder if they've adequately prepared them for it. This year, a special invitation reminded two JCS teachers of the lasting impact educators can have on their students.
Donovan Itobi, Washington High School (WHS) Class of 2020, is culminating a remarkable educational journey as he prepares to enter the next phase of his life. On May 24, he will graduate from the United States Naval Academy, fulfilling a childhood dream inspired by his late father, also an alumnus.
"Donovan had a desire to follow in his father's footsteps from a young age," shared his mother, Sarah Itobi-Parker.
When Sarah asked Donovan who he'd like to invite to his commissioning ceremony on May 24, she was touched when he included two former JCS teachers among his chosen friends and family. Amanda Thomas was Donovan's third-grade teacher at Wright Denny Elementary School (WDIS), while Tommie Lucas served as an influential educator at Washington High School (WHS).
Sarah immediately reached out to both women, who eagerly accepted the invitation. She said they were elated and incredibly touched to be included.
Ms. Lucas said she has enjoyed watching Donovan grow and thrive since he left her classroom and is excited to be included in such a significant occasion for a former student. "Creating lasting impacts with your students is one of the greatest aspects of this job," she said.
As Donovan's senior AP government teacher and National Honor Society advisor, Ms. Lucas helped affirm his lifelong desire to attend the Naval Academy. He credits her strong character and supportive nature with influencing his path following high school.
"She fostered a great learning environment for her students and cared about each of them," he said. "She was the epitome of what you want from a teacher."
Donovan's request to include Ms. Thomas at his commissioning ceremony also illustrates her profound impact on his life. He credits her with inspiring his love of reading and fostering his curious nature, calling her an "all-around great teacher."
"She really impacted my desire to learn at such a young age, and it made a lasting impression on me," he explained.
Ms. Thomas was surprised to receive Donovan's invitation, having only kept up with him peripherally throughout the years through his younger siblings. Reading Sarah's email, she was so overcome that she began to cry.
"I don't know how many times a former student will reach back and invite me to a Naval Academy commissioning ceremony, so I'm definitely going to be there," she said.
As an educator, Ms. Thomas says she strives to be "firm but fun." It's a balance she believes helped Donovan thrive in her classroom as she reflected on her memories of him.
"Donovan was very smart. He was a very bright kid, but he was also all boy," she recalled. "I remember days when I just had to rein that in to get him to work to his full potential."
Donovan's mother said she always appreciated the patience and guidance Ms. Thomas showed her son and believes it helped mold him into the successful young man he is today. "Having teachers who exude that kind of love and affection is important," she said.
For Ms. Thomas and Ms. Lucas, Donovan's invitation is more than just an honor—it's a testament to the impact teachers can have on their students' lives.
"This is the paycheck," said Ms. Thomas with a smile.
As Donovan prepares to commission as a Navy pilot stationed, his journey serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of dedicated educators.