With the 2024-2025 school year coming to an end, some teachers are preparing to retire. These teachers have made countless impacts on students throughout the years. English teacher Mr. Fred Markle and English teacher Ms. Valerie Hamilton have spent many years teaching students preparing them for their future careers.

Truly, these teachers have many memories to take with them. Markle, who has been at Cypress since 1997, said he has a lot of memories, including the boat races and “[his] classes’ end of the year projects.” Teachers work with many students during their time teaching. Every student is different but these teachers make sure each student feels supported in the classroom. Hamilton, who has been in AUHSD for 25 years, said, “I have so many great students…I have students I just thought were the most creative and I knew were going to go far in life. Every year I teach kids, but I also learn from them.” 

Retiring comes with many exciting new things to look forward to. Markle is looking forward to “hobbies, travel, and relaxation.” Hamilton will spend “more time with [her] granddaughter, son, and my daughter.”

As both teachers’ teaching journey ends, they both know what it takes for students to succeed in a class. Markle advises, “Don’t give up. Seek plenty of assistance from others, get good study groups, and just consider that you are a good person and you can do it. Just got to put your mind to it, have a plan, and you have to have lots of support.” Hamilton added, “Your teachers want to help you. We want you to pass, we want you to do well, but we can’t read your minds. And if you need help, you just ask for it. You’re going to get it. But we can’t give it if we don’t know what to give you.” 

As these teachers enter their retirement, many students and staff will miss them, and their contributions to students’ lives will not be forgotten.