A Northern Heights High School junior is one of five finalists in a statewide essay contest sponsored by the National and Kansas Federation of Republican Women.
Jacquelyne Renae Leffler will be honored at a Kansas federation meeting Friday at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka, according to an announcement by Becky Johnson of Parker, Kansas Republican chairman. The competition was the fifth “My Favorite Teacher” essay contest the group has conducted, according to a news release.
Leffler wrote about a former teacher, Rick Ginter, a physical education teacher at the Americus School, who also has been invited to attend. Ginter continues to be her track coach at NHHS.
She is the daughter of Bill and Cindy Leffler and granddaughter of Jackie and Mary Leffler, all of Americus.
The contest, open to all students in the state, drew 28 entries from the Santa Fe Trail Republican Women of North Lyon County.
In her entry, Leffler commended Ginter for the high expectations he set for every child in his classes.
“Unlike most teachers, he never had a favorite student. He treats everyone as if he or she were his own,” she wrote.
“... He has taught me the values of sportsmanship, as well as how to win, and lose, with honor and pride. He has pushed me to my limits and has helped me achieve many accomplishments over the past six years.”
Leffler, who won a national championship at the Junior Olympics last summer, said in her essay that Ginter has helped her through successes, as well as the times when she has fallen short of her goal.
“... Somehow, he always keeps me going on the right track to achieve all of my dreams. I do not know where I would be if it was not for him.”