Phil Randolph has been a full-time Gateway High School teacher for 18 years.
“I first student taught here right out of college in 2005, and they’ve kept me around ever since,” said Randolph, who teaches English.
In addition to serving as the boys’ volleyball team head coach, junior class council advisor and the SAT test center coordinator, he began teaching speech class a decade ago.
He has instituted an unusual event for the elective course final.
“I wanted to come up with an exercise that was meaningful and that, hopefully, would stand out as one of those things that one would distinctly remember about his or her time in high school,” Randolph said.
The in-class speeches, debates and assignments – all part of the coursework — are not without merit.
“The final, however,” he said, “is a bit of a different animal altogether.”
For the assignment, students were tasked with composing and delivering a celebratory toast to someone who has played a positive and vital role in their lives.
Invitations are sent out to the honorees, asking for their attendance to the after-school event in the library, so the students can properly show their appreciation.
One stipulation is that the students have to choose someone who is not in high school. Most students opt for a parent or guardian. Others typically select older siblings, grandparents, teachers, coaches and church members.
Prior to the final, Randolph gives each student a questionnaire about their peers, and students are selected to receive one of four awards at the final.
Junior Auroya Brown was voted “MVP” by her peers. She toasted her grandmother, Shirley Kendeall.
Junior Elaiyah Daniels, who honored her grandmother, Linda Coley, was given the “Swag Swag” award for giving the most dynamic speeches this semester.
Junior Amirah Young toasted her mother Ariane Andrews and was given the “Sweetheart” award.
Sophomore Aiden Hagerty, who honored his mother Laurell Hahn, was voted “Most Improved.”
