At December’s end-of-semester teacher luncheon, Mrs. Julie Pepper, math teacher, became the 2012 PCH Teacher of the Year. Her efforts in the classroom as a math teacher along with her dedication to the Student Council led to her recognition.
“It is truly an honor to be the PCH Teacher of the Year. I work with amazing teachers at PCH and to receive an award from them is very humbling,” Pepper said.
Pepper currently teaches upper level high school math, including Algebra II and AP Calculus AB. She continues to teach her passion after having several influential teachers when she was a student.
“My math teachers in high school probably had the most influence on me as far as going into the field of education. I had some outstanding teachers including Dr. Bob Buss for Calculus and Dr. Larry Mathews for Statistics–they both challenged me to think critically and pushed me to do my best,” Pepper said.
In addition to her classes, Pepper is the leading organizer of the Student Council. Throughout her teaching career, Pepper has been a part of the Student Council for 22 years. She helps the students with the planning of significant events such as Special Olympics, Homecoming and KOH.
“Student Council has been a wonderful experience for me at PCH. I love working with students on all of the events we plan for our school,” Pepper said. “It is a wonderful way to build connections with students outside of the classroom. I still hear from former student council kids who graduated years ago.”
The school environment provides for activities and athletic events that Pepper regularly attends. Events like Special Olympics would not be possible without her persistence and leadership.
“I love all the school activities, the Friday night football games, the Friday night basketball games, the school dances, KISS week, the Mr. PCH Beauty Pageant, the graduations each spring, our Special Olympics Soccer Tournament each fall—- all of these events combine to make a beautiful collection of favorite memories. I am more and more convinced, I have the best job in the world,” Pepper said.
