It’s National Teacher Appreciation Week and for one Greene County High School student, she knows first-hand how hard one of her teachers works.

Kirsten Carman is the high school English teacher and is in charge of the yearbook, and she is retiring after 36 years in education. Hailey Carman is Kirsten’s daughter and she is graduating this year and Hailey talks about life growing up with a teacher as a parent.

“Well, she definitely pushes me a lot harder, which is good. Obviously, it has helped me work harder than maybe I would’ve if she wasn’t. And I also just see how hard teachers work and it gives me more of an appreciation for them. And it also really nice to have my mom here because if I’m having a rough day, I can also go to her and she’s just ready to help me out.”   

Hailey also had her mom in middle school sports, as her volleyball and track coach, as she explains what those years were like.

“She taught me just like everybody else, but if I was being a little ornery she was a little bit quicker to put a stop to that then maybe some other kids.” 

Hailey is proud of her mom and the biggest thing that she learned from her was to always try your best in everything you do. With how busy they both are, Hailey acknowledges her mom as a role model for making sure all of her responsibilities are equally important and if her mom didn’t push her to try her best in all aspects of life, she would not be where she is today. Hailey also thanks her mom for instilling in her the importance of kindness and empathy and she is grateful to have her as a mom and educator in her life.