Journalism class says goodbye to an inspirational teacher

Danielle Loumeau

Throughout my 11 years of schooling I have never met a teacher with the strength and determination in the face of great opposition as Stephanie Nugent.

Stephanie Nugent first taught me in English as a freshman at Falcon High School. It is incredibly difficult to find the right words to describe her. At first meeting she is tough and head strong; excuses are about as good as stocks in the Great Depression. But after just a short amount of time, you will find, as I have found, one of the greatest and most inspiring people.

Nugent is quirky, funny, not afraid to speak her mind, and a great teacher who has a knack for reaching the learning needs of all students. She truly cares about each student and does all she can to help them succeed, even if it is through tough love.

Life seemed to be going great for Nugent, especially when she welcomed her beautiful baby girl into her life on Dec. 17, 2005. Unfortunately, just shortly after receiving this joy, came the worst news possible.

On June 19, 2006, Nugent went into surgery to remove what they thought were benign tumors, but on June 22, only three days after a supposedly fine surgery and ­­­six months after having her baby, Nugent received a "call I will never forget."

The final diagnosis came: stage three breast cancer. In addition to the time and stress with taking care of a new infant, Nugent endured 28 weeks of chemotherapy, with treatments every Friday for 15 weeks, and every other Friday for the remaining 13. During chemo, a large blood clot formed behind her heart that caused possible strokes, and she is now on blood thinners in an attempt to get rid of the blood clot. This was after the extensive and traumatizing surgery that took out a large chunk of her left breast and side.

Despite the long and difficult recovery, Nugent only missed August before she was back in the classroom with her students, only missing school after that for her treatments. At last she has finished the chemo and radiation for a six-week round, her last treatment being on Friday, May 11, 2007.

Yet the mere fact that Nugent is enduring cancer is not what has inspired me, but rather how she has done it. Not once can I recall a complaint or, "why did this happen to me?" She has never allowed her suffering interfere with her passion for teaching. On the contrary, she is always seen with a smile on her face and laughing with others. Her optimism and cheerfulness are truly astounding.

Though her treatments were long, painful, physically exhausting, made her nauseous, and other struggles, Nugent would stay after school for hours editing journalism pages for publication. If a student needed her help, she was always available, even if it meant calling her at home, all the while recovering from treatment. She is always putting others before herself and her personal needs.

Nugent's moving tale of how she is overcoming trials is summed up in her favorite quote by Confucius, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

Nugent started the newspaper here at FHS, but this year is her last in it. She is staying at the school, but, unfortunately, will not be teaching journalism. Because of the amazing teacher she has been, the class would like to tell her goodbye.

"Mrs. Nugent, you helped start the school paper, and you taught us so much more than ever expected. Because of you I have found my passion for writing. You have been a teacher, friend and mentor and I want to thank you for impacting my life so much. I wish you the best, and I know you'll get it because you're a survivor!" -Ashley Fay

"Nuge, you are always holding that sweet spot in my heart and you deserve to be happy. I love you and I'll never forget you." -Nicki McNames

"I am grateful to have you as my teacher. Thanks for guiding me in journalism." -Theo Yates

"You're an inspiration to us all, I know that is cliché, but it's true, Nuge!"-Blake Mahaffey

"Mrs. Nugent, when I met you I was terrified of you ... no lie. But then I realized you were harmless...well almost! You're amazing though. Thanks for everything!" -Suzanne Mote

"Mrs. Nugent, you are so awesome and such a great teacher. Thanks for everything!" -Breanna Sullivan

To Stephanie Nugent I would like to end by saying, "Nuge, you have been one of the most influential and inspiring people I have ever had the honor of knowing. Thank you so much for all the laughs, teasing, debates on controversial topics to make me really think, and most of all, for making my high school journey an amazing and memorable one. I truly admire you and will never forget the impact you have had on my life."