The Lady Dutch soccer team hosted their first teacher influence night on April 19, 2022. The night was the first in a new tradition planned and initiated by assistant coach and educator Brittany Rouze. The goal of the night was to show appreciation to teachers throughout the school district who have influenced student athletes and made them who they are today.

Each junior and senior on the team was given the opportunity to pick an educator from any school in the Pella Community school district that has had an impact on them. They were also asked to write a “why” statement explaining why they chose this educator. The teachers were then presented with plaques during halftime of the Lady Dutch’s home game against Newton.

Teacher Megan Clayberg was one of the teachers selected to be honored.  Clayberg teaches Physical Education at Pella High and was selected by two students: senior Callie Carlestone and junior Haley VanHouweling. 

“It was very honoring and it was very humbling, and it was kind of inspiring because it spurs you on to continue to build relationships with students,” said Clayberg. “For those two students specifically, it just feels really nice. The timing could not have been better for me personally, so it was very uplifting and encouraging, and they are two very special people.”

“I think it’s really important that teachers get recognition for going out of their way to make students’ lives better and to push them to be the best they can be,” said Carlestone. “I think it was a really good night to be able to showcase a specific person that we felt has impacted our lives and to recognize them, to let them know that what they have done has not gone unnoticed, just to appreciate all the hard work that teachers have done for their students.”

Members of the Lady Dutch soccer team agree that showing appreciation for teachers is important and are excited to watch the tradition continue and grow.