One of our THS teachers, Mrs. Michelle McGraw is changing lives from both inside and outside the classroom, as she is being recognized as the 2026 THS Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. McGraw teaches students to express themselves through art and navigates them through challenges in life as a peer helper sponsor. THS awarded McGraw the Teacher of the Year award to recognize the impact she is leaving on us. McGraw said she is honored to receive this knowing the immense work all other staff puts in.
"I work with fantastic teachers, and I know that there are teachers all over this school that are deserving of this award," said McGraw. "For them to recognize the things that I do, means a lot to me."
As an art teacher, McGraw gives her students the chance to express themselves in different wats using their talents, but her influence doesn't just stop at the art room.
"Every day I wake up and my purpose in life is to serve God, and I've never really had to question if I'm doing my calling, because He's made it very clear as a teacher every day that I get to do my calling," said McGraw.
As a Peer Helper sponsor, she leads the group through building connections and helping one another through the challenges of becoming an adult. Her dedication to her school and community has earned her this award.
"I hope my Peer Helpers take away leadership skills as they go into the workforce, whatever they choose to do. I think that they learn a lot of skills within Peer Helpers that's gonna take them far in life that's gonna help them just work with other people," said McGraw.
From creativity to compassion, McGraw reminds her students that having a great teacher means having someone who genuinely believes in and loves them.
"You get to meet so many different people, and even when they make mistakes, they're learning, and just like the rest of us they're people who are just living this life for the first time too," said McGraw. "I hope that they remember that I'm in their corner, and that I genuinely like them and I love getting to be their teacher."
While she is teaching lessons for a class period, she is teaching things that will last a life.
Congratulations Mrs. McGraw and thank you for everything you do for Thompson High School!