Courtney Dentel, Newark High School
By: Kevin Doran
Updated: October 4, 2011
We surprise Art Teacher Courtney Dentel at Newark Senior High School.
Before Devonte Davis joins the Army in a couple months he wanted to thank Newark High School Art Teacher Courtney Dentel for some important lessons. "Be respectful and responsible. Like take care of your responsibilities and things like don't be bullied. Like don't pick on others because they are less fortunate than you are."
We asked Devonte to come back to school to help us with our surprise. She was stunned to see us walk into her Art class. Courtney says conversations about Art are a good way to get kids talking. "But I think Art kind of lends itself to a more social environment where we can discuss things that come up in life. And from that I just want them to take important life lessons outside with them."
Assistant Principal Greg Herbst says with Mrs. Dentel is about more than the art and the things the kids produce. "But she really takes the time to get to know the kids. To teach character values, to really teach them what life is all about. and she uses art as a medium to get that message out. She does that every single day."
Mrs. Dentel says Devonte has paid her the ultimate compliment. "It really hits home and makes me realize why I come to school everyday. And it's for kids like this. Thank you for being an awesome teacher. Thank you so much."
Courtney Dentel is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. You can read the letter we got from Devonte nominating her below.
Dear News 8,
This is more than a classroom it is a second home to some of us. Mrs. Dentel teaches us more than art, she teaches us the values of life such as not bullying being responsible and respectful.
Its more than just work also its non-stop laughter and random dance sessions. A lot of kids aren't comfortable in school and Mrs. Dentel helps her students blossom and makes them feel good about themselves. We as a student body love this woman and just want to show her some appreciation.
Sincerely,
Devonte Davis, Newark High School Class of 2011
