Page 33 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2026 - Online Magazine

SENIOR 2 SENIOR

Article Submitted by
Johnathon Frintz SUNDOWN HIGH

Johnathon Frintz is the son of Katie Moore and Derrick Frintz. He is a senior at
Sundown High School, where he competes in UIL academic competitions, such as
Literary Criticism, Ready Writing, Copy Editing, and Spelling, qualifying for state. He
enjoys English and plans to attend WTAMU to pursue a career as an English professor.

Mrs. Fine what inspired her to teach, and to continue attended her funeral. That simple act of respect taught
teaching, and her response was deeply heartening. me the importance of supporting others, no matter the
Growing up in a family of educators, she knew early circumstance. Upon my return to school following a
on that she wanted to teach. Recounting her youth, “I week of absence, I discovered Mrs. Fine had arranged
remember the joy of helping with Vacation Bible School, for my entire class to write cards paying respect to my
teaching some Spanish to elementary kids, and doing family and me regarding our loss.
a lot of babysitting as a teenager.” Her reasons for
continuing in her calling include her love for “guiding Her impeccable character was the flame that reignited
students as they grasp new concepts, seeing them ‘glow’ my spark and, when asked about “character,” she
when they understand and accomplish something, and stated that her “overseas experiences” and the “small-
watching them develop strong communication and town Christian atmosphere” she grew up in were her
problem-solving skills.” Mrs. Fine finds that, “being greatest influences. Both of her educator parents were
open to new ideas and slow to judgment, as well missionaries in Nigeria, her birthplace, where “the
as communicating with compassionate honesty are concepts of serving, helping, educating, and showing
essential.” Her level of compassion and attentiveness to compassion and love to others” were ingrained in her
the success of her students is inspirational and fortifies from an early age. The remainder of her upbringing in
my own desire to teach in the future. I wish to achieve Hesston, Kansas, culminated in a degree in education
what she makes seem so effortless, and her name is from Wichita State University following graduation from
on the short list of people I credit for my future in Hesston College.
education.
Mrs. Fine had a powerful influence in my development,
Mrs. Fine not only inspired me in the classroom, but her as her unwavering character and passionate mastery
character outside of school also played a significant role. in the art of teaching shaped so many of my choices
During my fifth-grade year, I experienced a life-altering and continue to do so. Without such a brilliant role
loss when my mother tragically passed away in her model, I doubt I would have been inclined to pursue my
sleep. Mrs. Fine, having known my mother solely from education the way I have. For that I am deeply humbled,
parent-teacher conferences and occasional after-school and I await my future in her footsteps.
visits, displayed awe-inspiring sympathy when she

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