I believe that there are angels in this world. Angels are the people that God gives us in times of need who change our lives for the better. They are pure and loving souls who help us and inspire us every day. My religion teacher from high school was one of these angels.

Dear Mrs. Martz,

First, I want to say thank you for everything. Thank you for deciding to teach at a Catholic school, even though the salary may not be the best. Thank you for being willing to share your gifts with other people. Thank you for teaching my classmates and I so many valuable lessons. Most of all, thank you for loving and supporting each and every one of your students every day.

You were an amazing teacher and I learned so much from you. You taught me lessons about Christianity and Catholic beliefs and traditions; I will never forget everything that you taught me during my junior year of high school. You taught me about the value of human life, and of course the value of animal life. Your love for creatures of all kinds inspired me to treasure all life. You taught me that every life is precious and everyone on earth desires to be loved. You taught me the importance of kindness and you showed me that one single person can make a difference in the world. I have learned so much from you-- this was my most memorable and meaningful class in high school.

Although you were an incredible teacher, you were so much more than that to me. I looked forward to going to your class everyday because your classroom made me feel safe and happy to be at school. I always knew that I could come to you whenever I needed to talk. You listened to me and you gave me encouraging and supportive words in return. Your kind voice and loving hugs helped me whenever I needed someone to get through the day; you always reassured me that everything would be okay.

Even during my senior year when you weren't my teacher anymore, you were there for me and you showed me that you truly cared about me. You welcomed me into your classroom everyday, no matter what time it was or what was going on in your life. I looked forward to my daily visits with you to talk about anything and everything. Those visits meant the world to me. I remember writing on your dry-erase board, as I made an effort to return some of the love and wisdom that you gave me. But nothing could compare to what you gave me. You supported me and loved me through everything, and you reminded me that I was loved and I mattered. You showed me the saving power of God's love and you inspired me to spread love wherever I went. You helped me to deepen my faith-- and because of you I became closer to God at a time when I most needed it. You listened to me talk about my goals and my dreams and you motivated me to work towards them. I have always wanted to be a teacher, but because of you I now want to spread positivity and love to my students like you do. I hope one day I can inspire others the same way that you have inspired me.

Mrs. Martz, you truly have a gift that not many people have. I am so grateful for that gift because it has changed my life for the better. Because of who you are, I have become a stronger person. I don't know what I would have done without you-- you have helped me and inspired me so much. Thank you so much for everything. I wish there was a way that I could repay you for what you have given me. I could not thank you enough for everything that you have done. You are truly incredible.

-Clare Cahill '16