Stephanie Wasag carries a heavy load of classes at Shepard High School in Palos Heights.
During her sophomore year, Wasag even signed up for advanced European history — a course she feared might be difficult to pass.
But Wasag discovered the instructor teaching the class wasn’t so bad.
In fact, Wasag’s instructor, Gina Hanna, last month was awarded locally the “My Favorite Teacher” award from Barnes & Noble in Orland Park.
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“Ms. Hanna is a small woman with a big heart,” Wasag said. “She is my favorite teacher.”
Hanna, who has been teaching more than two decades, was tapped from 80 applicants from Shepard, McKinley Junior High in South Holland and Reavis High School in Burbank.
Wasag, now a 17-year-old junior, nominated Hanna in a contest sponsored by Barnes & Noble stores. The contest was open to all middle school and high school students who competed by writing an essay, poem or thank-you letter, 500 words or less. The students wrote about the influence the teacher played in their lives and why they appreciated and admired the instructor.
“She made me want to explore the world more,” said Wasag about Hanna about one of the reason’s she wrote the nominating essay . “Growing up, I would visit my mom’s side of the family in Poland every few years. But after listening to Ms. Hanna’s stories about seeing Italy and Spain, I wanted to see more of the world.”
With Hanna’s help, Wasag and a handful of her friends planned and booked a 10 day trip to Italy this summer.
“I am beyond ecstatic I am going to Italy in a few short months with the woman who encouraged me to see the world,” Wasag said.
Although Hanna is no longer Wasag’s teacher, Hanna still takes time to talk to her former student.
“I still have that same special bond I had with her while I was her student,” Wasag said.
Hanna said Wasag was “an incredibly hard worker.”
“She wants to know and understand all that she can and will not stop working until she feels satisfied,” Hanna said. “I wish all students came to class with that kind of will to learn. Plus, she is funny and has a warm, friendly personality. I cannot wait for her to see some of the things we studied in AP European History right in front of her in Italy.”
On being nominated for the award, Hanna said: “I was so surprised and happy to hear about Stephanie’s essay. No matter how many years I teach, hearing a student describe me this way is the best reward I can ever ask for.”
Kathy Mackle Tiffany, community business development manager for Barnes & Noble of Orland Park, said she enjoys the teacher’s program.
“I love this program so much because it really is such a good opportunity for educators to see in their students words how they positively impact their lives,” said Mackle Tiffany, who was a judge of the local contest.”It’s so touching for us to read all the stories of what is happening in the classrooms. It’s so inspiring that there are teachers that care so much they give their personal time or money out of their own pocket to give these kids what they need. Then we have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate them.”
Wasag and Hanna were both presented framed certificates from Barnes & Noble. Wasag was given a large photo essay book on Italy and Hanna was given a $30 Barnes & Noble gift card.
The two also advanced to the regional contest but they did not win. Linda Ward, of Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, won the regional contest. Ward was nominated by former student Rose Yuanhong-Benas. Ward moves on to the national portion of the contest later this month. The national prize is $5,000 for the winning teacher and $5000 for the teacher’s school.
Kelly White is a freelance reporter at the Daily Southtown.