As we make our way into the 2025-2026 school year, NHS students share staff who have impacted their school experience. From government to literature teachers, these staff members have really stood out and positively influenced them.
Junior Alisson Mercado said she has thoroughly enjoyed her time here, largely due to Mr. Matiles’ involvement in her education and mental health.
“Mr. Matile is very respectful, and he’s very on point,” Mercado said.
Mercado said Mr. Matile teaches his students, and he makes sure that his students always reach their full potential, while he also is able to stay on top of his own work. He is very supportive of his students in a variety of ways. Ever since freshman year, Mercado has looked up to Mr. Matile as a role model.
“Matiles’ qualities that stand out to me are his efficiency and boldness,” Mercado said.
Mercado also admires his wisdom. As a sophomore, Mercado went through a tough time during the second semester, and Mr. Matile was there to help her out of that difficult situation.
“If I were to describe him in one word, I would say outstanding,” Mercado said.
Mercado sees him every day, as he is her seminar teacher.
“He is like you’re a human, you’re getting older, so you’re getting mature, which allows me to have mature conversations with him,” Mercado said.
Sophomore Martha Cardiel-Duran looks up to Mr. Knoll in many ways, for example, his respect towards his students and his courteous personality.
“Even though he doesn’t look up from his computer half of the time, he always knows how to answer questions,” Cardiel-Duran said.
Mr. Knoll is not only a leader to his students, but he is also open to willingly helping other teachers and staff.
“He often repeats the phrase sit down, which I find humorous and enjoyable,” Cardiel-Duran said.
This teacher provides a motivational outlet to students by helping them raise their grades and attend Railer time appropriately.
“Mr. Knoll teaches me life skills, and he is really nice,” Cardiel-Duran said.
Senior Raylina Hargrove has looked up to literature teacher Ms. Faythe since her freshman year. This teacher allows students to be responsible with their work while also providing a fun side to it.
“She acts super friendly and not super strict, so it doesn’t feel like work all the time, making it feel like you’re at home.” Raylina Hargrove said.
Ms. Faythe acts to support her students and makes them feel comfortable in class. Hargrove shares things she says often, one of her favorites —
“Just don’t suck.”
In her ways of supporting students, she makes writing a place for everyone. Hargrove said Ms. Faythe stands out to her as a role model.
“She gives me the vibe of a perky aunt.”
Not only is Ms. Faythe friendly and supportive, but she is also outgoing, allowing her students to feel welcome in her classroom anytime they need.
“Just try to look at the better sides of teachers; they might seem strict sometimes, but they have good intentions,” Hargrove said.
