What’s the Buzz: Which Staff Members Have Made an Impact for You?

Can you recognize these teachers based on their old yearbook photos?

Every year, students nominate a Midwood teacher for the school’s Teacher of the Year Award. Recent winners have included Mr. Christopher Buonocore, Mr. Jimmy Liang, and Mr. Alexander Jung.

We asked Midwood students: “Who’s a teacher, librarian, guidance counselor, or other school staff member you feel deserves recognition, and why?”

Here’s what they had to say:

“Ms. Jean Baptiste is not only an amazing French teacher, but she also sees the potential in her students and pushes them to do their best. As our French Club advisor, she is always present for activities and supports us. I personally struggle to keep up with my French, but she is always willing to connect me with different opportunities.” – Arianne Charles ’24

“Ms. Rochford is such a helpful teacher who never fails to bring a smile to her students’ faces. It feels like each student she has loves her, and for good reason. She always makes sure her students understand the topics discussed in class, and when I had her for pre-AP English, my whole class was engaged. She’s a gem.” — Hamood Khan ‘24

"No day in Mr. Chicofsky’s classroom is dull. We discuss some of the wildest topics out there, things that I never hear about in other classes. There's always some kind of takeaway from our discussions, something that can be applied to the present day. It makes me a better informed citizen. Even though I don't talk much, I find myself listening to his stories or case rundowns more intently than anything from my other classes." — Leon Samdani '24

“Not only does Dr. Walters teach calculus simply and effortlessly, he takes the time to truly build a beneficial relationship with his students. He makes everyone who walks through his door feel comfortable and safe. His classroom is an open environment to learn as well as build friendships.” — Jannah Abo-Donia ‘24

“My favorite teacher is Ms. Smith. She is the most understanding person I know. She always challenges her students, and she’s taught me so many things, especially the idea to never give up. She never fails to make the class fun and warm.” – Michelle Kamsan ‘24

“Ms. Guarino deserves recognition for her constant support and commitment to her students. Being in her class, I feel like I am in a fun but serious environment where everyone wants to see each other succeed, and I credit that attitude to Ms. Guarino.” — Sofia Lamdichi ‘24

“Last year I decided to take BC Calculus straight out of Algebra 2 and was intimidated considering that many of my peers had already taken calculus. Despite my worries, Ms. Grabowski has done a phenomenal job. Her approach keeps me engaged with the material and allows for me to grasp concepts at a more complex level. I feel as though my skills have drastically improved as her student and that I could easily take on a higher level of math next year.” — Zehra Girgin '24

"Ms. Marques, the librarian, is so nice and truly cares about the library and everyone who comes inside. She’s very welcoming, very understanding, and embodies the ideal of a gentle, warm, kind librarian very well." – Ava Ference '24

“I had Ms. Crump for physics last semester and she was such a good teacher. She seems genuinely interested in what you have to say, and she’s always so nice, caring, and willing to help. She always asks how you’re doing and values students’ lives a lot.” – Maimoonah Warraich ‘24

“Mr. Bennett is not just a good counselor, he’s a good friend as well, someone you can come and talk to about school and personal matters without being judged.” – Nicolai Johnson ‘25

"I think that Mr. Gjecaj deserves more recognition because he is such a friendly teacher and you can always approach him. He helps people out, treats everybody kindly, and can crack a joke or two to lighten up the class." – Sophia Betser ‘24