Aidan Bush, Staff Writer – With the end of the school year at Lecanto High School [LHS] approaching, many changes for the upcoming year are already being made. One of these changes is the departure of English department head and teacher Jong Ash from LHS. Ash taught Advanced Placement [AP] English Language and Composition, as well as journalism and Pre-International Baccalaureate [PIBS] English I. She has affected hundreds of LHS students in positive ways, and will be missed dearly.
Next year, she will begin her work as the literacy coach of Citrus High School. Her new focus will involve planning, coordinating, and implementing the reading programs and strategies that can be used throughout all levels of high school.
Ash felt excited to have an opportunity to benefit more students in her new position.
”I am looking forward to being able to work with and coach others and help more students. The students are at the center of everything in this profession,” said Ash.
Many students believed she was an incredible teacher due to her overall commitment to student success.
Sophomore Austin Recta felt Ash encouraged him to become more proficient in his writing abilities and reassured him of his academic talents.
“Mrs. Ash has helped me in many ways [as an English teacher and a Journalism teacher]. She’s helped with my confidence as she guided me through journalism and that is just one example of many,” said Recta.
Ash spent a considerable amount of effort growing her journalism program over the past two years. Ash used the class to provide a variety of opportunities to her students, allowing them to learn leadership skills as well as participate in community programs and events outside of school, such as Culture of Clean, an anti-littering advocacy campaign spearheaded by her and some of her students.
Both students and staff adore Ash’s ability to collaborate with others in any way possible.
”Mrs. Ash is awesome because she’s so supportive any time you need any kind of question answered, emotional support, or help on a team project,” said former literacy coach Marie Wilber.
While Ash will undoubtedly be missed, LHS members hope she continues to inspire students and staff alike through her new career position.
”I want Mrs. Ash to just keep being her amazing self and for her to know that she has touched so many students’ lives, especially mine. She is a ray of sunshine and I hope she continues to carry that bright light wherever she goes,” said junior Hannah Wilson.