As the school year rapidly winds down, Marietta High School students got a chance last week to look back on their academic careers and celebrate not only their own achievements, but the educators who helped them reach this moment.

At the annual Academic Excellence Awards banquet, teachers were spotlighted alongside their students for the impact they have on these and thousands of other kids over their careers.

The event recognized students for their academic excellence — achieving a grade point average of 3.5 or higher; and students were given an opportunity to reach out to a teacher, coach, or mentor to join in the evening.

“Tonight’s important to me because it’s kind of like one of the last events of my senior year, it’s like a send-off and I’m glad I got to pick her (first grade teacher Ellen McVicar),” said MHS valedictorian Avery Herb. “I remember telling myself that I would pick her if I ever graduated with honors.”

How wonderful to know such an event inspires students even from that young age. Speaking to the students, Marietta City School Superintendent Mary Schaeffer said, “You made the decision over and over again to prioritize your education, and that consistency led you here tonight.”

No matter what path they choose after graduation, it will likely lead them far into the future, too.

Congratulations to the students who were honored last week. And thank you, to the educators who had such a wonderful effect on them.