April was National Poetry Month.  The staff of your Emperor Grapevine has been busy writing poetry of different varieties and building their poetry collections.

This week, May 4th through May 8th, is Teacher Appreciation Week.  To celebrate our wonderful staff members, the Grapevine staff took on writing poems about their favorite DHS teachers and mentors.

We appreciate all that our wonderful teachers do for their students, not just this week, but all year long!

“An Epistle to Kiehn” by Kotah Rios

To others, a friendly face they see in passing

To me, an encouraging soul who always believed.

To others, a lady whose laugh could fill a room

To me, a woman supporting whatever I’d achieved.

To others, a strict coach and a stricter instructor 

To me, a kind teacher who quickly aided.

To others, you’re known as Fadra Kiehn

But to me, you’ll always be Fadra2Faded

“Mrs. Ritchie” by Emely Vasquez-Davila

Noble and wise 

You answer my whys

Prepared us for life

Reach for the stars

See, they’re not very far

Fun and joyful

Thank you for making sure to keep us in order

Maybe we’ll understand when we get much older.

“Ode Poem for Mrs. Navvaro-Tapia” by Jasmine Urtiz

Oh, dear Mrs. Art, Mrs. Art,

How you have great patience!

I have great appreciation for the person you are,

You are one industrious individual, I know, 

With a charismatic personality and kind-hearted

You dealt with my teenage ignorance and many others.

An abundance of great qualities you have. 

You are a trustworthy teacher whom any student can depend on. 

Thanks for guiding those in the right direction!

“Epistle to Coach Bray” by Kathryne Forbes

Dear Coach Bray,

On behalf of the girls who played,

I want to thank you sincerely

For showing us so clearly

That you hold us so dearly

Sorry things didn’t go the way we wanted

But look at the years behind us

And remember the amazing years we were gifted.

“Terrific Tabutol” by Priscilla Galvan 

You manage to make language a joy, 

Making logic sound like music. 

Your ease makes the class a breeze   

The ability to make something out of nothing, 

Has everybody buzzing 

Wondering what’s next in Tabutol’s class.

Aloof but still approachable 

I wish everyone could experience the joy

Of the notable Tabutol.

“A Poem For Mr. Griffiths”  by Jazlyn Jacobo

Though I’ve never been a student in your class,

 I’m really grateful I got to meet you by chance.

Stopping by every now and again to catch up, 

Whether to talk about new music or my plans after high school,

It all meant more to me than I expected.

Your advice helps make the future feel less overwhelming,

And your optimism and wisdom stay with me each day.

I just want to say thank you, 

For being such a wonderful teacher, even to me. 

“Ode to Mrs. Macias” by Natalie Ramirez 

You’re a really funny teacher

And you’re dedicated to your class

You teach us how to cook

And how to work together.

We learned skills we can use in life

Because of you.

We learned how to work hard 

Because of you.

“To Mr. Nalbandian” by Natalie Zaragoza

I want to take a moment to thank you 

for all that you have done 

for your students this school year. 

Your time and effort are always deeply appreciated.

Your patience is something that goes unnoticed. 

I am beyond grateful 

to have had such an amazing math teacher this school year. 

You have made your classroom a place for opportunity 

to achieve anything that we, as students, 

cross in our academic career. 

I’m glad you always encourage us 

to ask questions on topics we tend to be confused about. 

Math hasn’t always been my strongest subject, 

yet this year, you have made it less confusing 

and have given me a better understanding. 

Thank you for all that you do, 

I hope you continue to teach the young minds 

and inspire them 

to accomplish their goals in mind.

“Ode to Mr. V” by Damian Zavala

There is a man named Mr. V,

Who is cool and funny.

He put on shows we like

And makes everything sunny.

The man that make us laugh

The guy we adore and love.

No matter how it affects us

He is all of the above.

“With Appreciation” by Anali Olmeda

Dear Mrs. Enns,

Thank you for being such a great teacher, 

not just to me but to other students as well. 

I admire the teacher you are, however, 

I wasn’t the greatest student 

when it came to turning in assignments on time. 

Regardless, you have been patient with me. 

I’ve been your student for a year now, 

and I’ve seen that you’re truly underappreciated. 

You have taken the time and dedicated yourself 

to getting to where you are now, 

and it has made a real difference 

when it came to learning. 

Although we have never talked that much, 

that doesn’t mean I don’t look up to you. 

You are inspiring, supportive, and hardworking, 

and don’t change

 just because a silly student 

didn’t like your “dumb phone rule.”

“Sandavol Ode” by Jennifer Antonio 

Sandavol, I’m grateful 

For you teaching me words in Spanish 

I’m less of a no sabo  

I appreciate all the gimkits and cinco a dias 

All those wacky socks 

Running marathons 

How did you do it? 

I hope to grow like you! 

With the sarcasm that follows.

“Lovely like Poetry” by Lezzlie Cortez

Mrs. Hoy, you speak softly, yet your words shine bright,

turning my dull mornings to pages of light.

You teach with patience, graceful and wise,

like stories unfolding before my eyes.

Your kindness lingers like lines that stay,

guiding my thoughts in a gentle way.

A teacher so lovely, both caring and true,

the classroom feels warmer because of you.

“Ode to Ms. Guzman” by Samantha Del Rio

Wise and bright 

Who fills the classroom with her light 

The past awakens at her name 

She fans the spark into a flame 

With a patient heart and steady hand 

She leads us through our history’s land 

Of all the greats the world has seen

None shine bright as she has been.

“To Mr. Baza” by Jax Lopez

Mr. Baza, oh, how shiny is your bald head

I wonder if you wear a nightcap to bed

What smart bald thoughts you have inside

Thank you for the precious  information you provide

Do you use shampoo and conditioner on your bald head?

Or do you use body wash instead?

Mr. Baza, you are so funny

You make all of your students’ days very sunny.

“The Best Counselor” by Stephanie Villegas

Mr. Shin, the best counselor at DHS,
Helping me through both wrong and right, no less.
Guiding me forward onto the right path,
With patient words and a calming laugh.

Helping students with problems, even his own,
Still making sure no one feels alone.
With him, each voice is heard and seen,
He cares in ways that are rare and keen.

Guiding future doctors, lawyers, and CEOs,
Helping us become more than we know.
There’s no one like him, steady and true—
Thank you, Mr. Shin, for all that you do.

“Ode to Mr. Harris” by Staicy Urbano

Your lessons a compass, guiding our way 

Through complex subjects, you make them clear as day.

Like a gardener, you tend to our growing minds

Nurturing wisdom of all kinds.

Your encouragement, a steady guiding light

Making challenging tasks feel ever so bright.

Thank you for your passion and your care

A truly inspiring teacher beyond compare.

“A Poem for Mr. Simoni” by Conan Tienda

Thank you for making first period more bearable,

And for making jokes that were a little terrible.

For the easy assignments,

That came with minor misalignments.

All the memorable moments in class,

That never came with much sass.

Thank you for talking about the future,

So that way I don’t look like a loser.

“An Epistle To Coach Lester” by Tony Ibarra

With the new generation of kids,

Different from what you grew up with,

You find a way to teach lessons,

That isn’t taught with parents stressing,

It’s great to see what you do for the town,

A place where many get knocked down,

You know how to let these kids have fun,

And you like to join in to feel young,

All jokes aside – thank you for what you do

Through everything you have been through.

“Ode to Mrs. Muñoz” by Bee Martinez

Her talent shines through when teaching Hamlet

Her room is so warm and welcoming

Those who do not appreciate her will soon be filled with great regret

She teaches her class in a way you could never forget

The best times were had in her presence

Making her worthy of great remembrance

She is a teacher of great teaching

Encouraging the reachers to keep reaching

Thank you, Mrs. Muñoz (By the way, your room has a great smell),

But that’s all for now, I bid you farewell.

“An Ode to Mr. Velasco” by Alyssa Torres

Oh, calm and easy teacher of mine. 

Your class feels simple, almost like free time. 

You explain things slowly so I understand, 

and always take time when I need a hand.

You’re patient and kind, never too strict, 

no stress in your class, it just kinda clicks. 

So here’s a small thank you from me to you, 

for making school feel calm and easy too. 

“Dear Lieutenant Brandon” by Heidi Belknap 

I write to you in measured lines, 

as we were taught–

with purpose, with precision, 

with the quiet discipline of thought before action

You stand at the front, not just in rank,

but in example–

a steady bearing when we falter, 

a voice that cuts through doubt like a compass through fog.

We have learned more than drills beneath your watch,

more than the cadence of marching feet–

you have shown us how to carry weight unseen, 

how to lead when no one is looking, 

how to choose honor when it would be easier not to.

There are days we did not understand the rigor, 

the repeated correction, 

the insistence on “again” –

but time, like the tide, has revealed your meaning.

You were building something in us

stronger than uniform threads, 

sharper than inspection lines–

a sense of self that stands at attention even in chaos.

So take this letter as both a report and gratitude:

we are not finished, 

but we are better–

more disciplined, more capable, more aware

because you demanded it.

If we carry forward even a fraction

of what you have instilled, 

then your command has already succeeded.

Respectfully written,

in the spirit of those still learning to lead.

“A Poem for Mrs.Price” by Isabella Gonzalez

Dear Mrs.Price 

Thank you for making my senior year tons of fun

Going to your class felt like a warm ray of sun.

Dancing, laughing, smiling from ear to ear

Playing Just Dance till the bell rang

Teaching me new styles of dance 

My feet will never move the same.

Your kindness and playful attitude always brightened my day

I’ll always remember, even when I’m far away. 

“Teacher Appreciation Poem for Mr. and Mrs. Herevia” by Spogmai Raziq

 You are really energetic and funny teachers in my life

And you are dedicated to your work and church

You teach me how to cook Mexican food

And how to grow as a person

I learned skills I can use in Life

All because of you.

I learned how to be a better person

All because of you.

“Dear Mrs. Woods” by Natali Herrera

Dear Mrs. Woods, you are so kind-hearted,

One of the best teachers I´ve ever had.

It feels like just yesterday I was a freshman in your class,

Now I’m going into my senior year.

Throughout these school years,

no other teacher has stood out to me like you did,

One of my favorite teachers.

High school is flying by like everyone said it would,

But I’ll always remember those silly memories in your old classroom.

“Thank you, Mr. Delgado” by Hailey Lopez

You’re compassionate and kind

You’re dedicated to what you do

You teach kids how to become successful

How to not dread math

You make math fun

We´ve all learned something because of you

I thank you for your patience 

Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Mr. Delgado.

“Sincerely Stephens” by Melanie Valdivia 

With lens in hand and vision sharp 

You guide our eyes to sights unseen 

Through the aperture and shutter click

You teach us art, so swift and quick 

Each lesson learned, a vibrant hue,

A captured moment, fresh and new

For all the passion you inspire 

You’ve truly touched my artist’s heart

“Ms. Roberson” by Denise Cabrera 

Ms. Roberson, you shine bright like a star 

You’re very dedicated, caring,

 And it makes a real difference.

You’re very organized, and your diligence 

Brightens the classroom like a diamond. 

I like how you give us structure and discipline.

It helps us focus.

Dave Ramsey would be proud of you, as am I.

Thank you for passing your knowledge and helping our future.

“Ode to Mrs. Clifton” by Landon Villasenor

To Mrs. Clifton,

You are humorous, thoughtful, and wise.

You guide each child from their first step.

Math is no more frightening when you are the teacher, 

For you to break down every problem that you feature.

No matter how rowdy the classroom may be

And you get stressed, but you are always at ease

You are like a construction mother to our school,

Guiding us along to have a brighter pull.

“Dear Mr. Rocha” by Yuliana Martinez

You walk into the classroom with small stories and jokes that catch us off guard,

Words coming out of your mouth: “What the farts.” 

Burping mid-lecture, making students die of laughter.

You teach with such patience, even if we students may get a little out of hand.

Turning boring lessons into something that makes the night shine bright.

Your bald head shines as bright as the sun that brightens the sky.

And even on your grumpiest days, you always find a way.

You make class feel easier, like we will all be okay.

And you always have something to say, more than just in the lesson.

“Ode to Hulsey” by Eric Andrade

Hulsey, you’re like the animal you brought in – a GOAT

From the street they pick you up from

To a classroom you’re well-loved in

Humor that brightens anyone’s day

You hook students into the welding subject, 

Like you’re fishing using bait

Cruising around in a lower truck

With a fresh hat and a welding helmet

You’re one of the most inspirational teachers.