Six senior varsity baseball players recently surprised teachers they felt had positively influenced both their academic and athletic journeys by presenting them with a personally delivered, signed baseball as a heartfelt token of appreciation.
Their gestures served as a meaningful acknowledgment of that teacher’s lasting and positive impact both inside and outside the classroom.
Head Coach Joseph D’Antono accompanied his seniors during the surprise visits, proudly watching the reactions of the honored teachers as the players shared genuine words of gratitude. Each senior spoke sincerely about the meaningful impact these educators had on their lives, reflecting on how fortunate they felt to have learned from and been guided by them both in and out of the classroom.
Liam Barry, #7, Pitcher/Infielder: Jessica Venettozzi, Intermediate School fourth-grade teacher
"Thank you for making my intermediate years at Minisink some of my most memorable ones, especially in your fourth-grade class. The friendships I made in your class have lasted me throughout my time here at Minisink and, hopefully, will be lifelong, and that’s all because of the influence you had on me in the classroom.
"I remember work never feeling like work, making every day go by fast, which was somewhat sad because my year with the best fourth-grade teacher went by too fast. I still remember the note you wrote me in my yearbook at the end of the school year. You wished me good luck with my future at school and with baseball.
"Giving this ball to you feels like a full-circle moment now that I am graduating high school and going on to play college baseball. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I truly appreciate it."
Gavin Brown, #13, Infielder/Pitcher: Jenn Kemmerer, Intermediate School fourth-grade teacher
“Thank you for making such an impact on my life, being the only teacher to understand who I was and best teacher I have had even though I was little.
“You have no idea how much I changed after your class with learning new skills, and being a better person. I will always remember your class and how you took me under your wing like I was your own son. Thank you so much for everything!”
Will Burretto, #14, Infielder/Pitcher. Jenna Conklin, High School Chemistry teacher
“Thank you for all the time, effort and care you put into teaching me the last two years. Your style of teaching has helped me grow not only in the classroom but also out of it. You inspire your students to do their best and are always willing to help.
“Thank you for being an amazing teacher, making science fun, and for everything you do for not only me, but all of your students. I can say with certainty that your classes have been the best classes I have taken in high school, and I will never forget the lessons and memories made in them. Thank you so much for everything.”
Gavin Capper, #11, Outfielder/Pitcher: Seth Johnson, High School business teacher
“Thank you for all the time, guidance, and support you’ve given me throughout Sports Marketing, Business Law and FBLA. You have taught me so much about leadership, professionalism and have prepared me for a successful future.
“Your encouragement has helped me grow both in and out of the classroom. I truly appreciate the effort you put into helping students like me succeed, and I am grateful for everything you have done for me these last four years. Thank you so much for everything.”
Blake Kizer, #1, Catcher/Outfielder: Lynda McKeon, Intermediate School fourth-grade teacher
"Reflecting on all my years at Minisink Valley, you've stood out to me as someone who has inspired me to be the best me that I could ever be, at everything there was. Thanks to you, I learned that just doing my best would always be enough.
“Whether it was to be the best student or to be simply the best son, friend, teammate, and overall person I can be, your guidance during my fourth-grade year has made a lasting impact on me that I will remember forever.
“My family and I are forever grateful for the life skills and learning abilities that you've taught me, and I could never thank you enough. Thank you so much for everything.”
Chris McCauley, #22, Pitcher/Outfielder: Jenna Conklin, High School Chemistry teacher
“I appreciate all the hard work you put into teaching me in class. It was an honor to have you as a teacher and it was always enjoyable to come to class each day.
“Taking your chemistry class Junior year was the most fun I have had in a science class and that is a tribute to you as a teacher. Thank you for everything as I have learned so much in your class that will help me succeed beyond high school. Thank you so much for everything.”
Acts of gratitude like this are important not only for the recipient, but also for the students involved. For educators, moments of appreciation — particularly when it’s a surprise — reinforce the value of the relationships they build and the influence they have on young people’s lives. For students, expressing gratitude helps foster character, humility and emotional maturity, while also teaching the importance of recognizing those who have helped shape their growth and success.