By Maliah Grote And Jordyn Powell
Evans has seen it all: our ups, our downs, and every moment in between. Every single day, whether we are nagging him for trail mix or begging to go on a walk outside, he has never once said no. His patience is unmatched, but his impact goes far deeper than that. The compassion Evans has for his students lies far beyond others. He truly cares, showing up for us with a steady heart and an open mind, no matter what the day brings.
What makes Evans so memorable is the kind of classroom he has created. It’s a place where we can step away from the pressures of school, be ourselves, and know that we’re always welcome. He has made room for laughter, conversations, and memories that extend far beyond any assignment or lesson. While the school year may eventually come to an end, the environment he’s created and the memories we’ve made in it will stay with us long after.
Another thing that makes Evans so memorable is his impact on every person in his class. Many days, when I walk into Evans’ class, I feel sad or maybe just unmotivated. Evans makes it his personal mission to help others in need, which has definitely helped me grow and develop as a person. One thing I will never forget is the encouraging words of Evans at the beginning of the year, which were, “You really are a great student.” His effort in making someone’s day, from helping kids grade their essays to advising from his wise years and everything in between, has truly made a difference at Westmont, and honestly, I don’t know where I would be without him.
Most importantly, Evans can help you see parts of yourself that not even you can see yet. At the start of freshman year, I loved writing. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life, but I knew it was something I could pursue. As the year went on and Evans started showing us more issues of The Shield, I realized this was something I would love to do. So, when it was time to pick our classes, I knew Journalism was at the top of my list. When Journalism started, it became clear to me just how much I love putting thoughts on paper. Without Evans, I would’ve never gotten the opportunity to express myself in my favorite way: writing. His assistance in Journalism helped me figure out that I wanted to be a type of journalist, which is something I would’ve never expected to do as a career.
It’s difficult to put into words just how much one person can impact an entire plethora of students. Although he may never fully realize the difference he has made, we hope he knows that his efforts never go unnoticed. For all the patience, kindness, and memories, thank you, Evans.