Mesa Public Schools is now recognizing an elementary and secondary spotlight school at the second board meeting of each month. Each school will highlight a student, certified staff member and classified staff member. Shepherd Junior High School was recognized as the secondary spotlight school for October 2024. Below are comments from principal Jill Benza on each of the honorees.
Lucas Silva, Outstanding Student: Lucas is a member of our student council, is in advanced band, is a member of our yearbook club and serves as a WEB leader all while taking 3 honors classes and two high school credit-bearing classes. His teachers describe him as a student who can take on any challenge and do it well and is willing to help out others along the way.
To quote Mrs. Driskill, his honors ELA teacher from last year, “Lucas takes a gentle, yet firm initiative when collaborating with others. Lucas doesn't ask or expect anything in return. He will rule the world some day and make it a much kinder, safer, and smarter place to live.” All of us at Shepherd look forward to seeing all of his future accomplishments.
Nicole Turilli Montero, Outstanding Educator: Nicole joined the Shepherd family in the fall of 2023 teaching 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts. We knew from the moment we interviewed her that we needed her on our campus. Her love of teaching and her subject matter came through in her interview and we knew she would round out our department well. Spending time in her classroom is uplifting as she excels at building a strong classroom community where students are challenged and feel safe to take risks. It is evident that Mrs. Turilli truly cares about her students and strives to create an environment that blends high academic expectations with compassion and kindness.
In speaking with some of her parents in preparation for this night they shared a multitude of positive comments and how she is impacting their child’s learning and growth. With one saying that Mrs. Turilli has “helped her daughter soar to new heights with her writing”. We are so thankful to have Mrs. Turilli as a Stallion.
Coleen Townsend, Outstanding Classified Staff Member: The “heart of the school” is how Coleen Townsend was described by a Shepherd teacher. Coleen started at Shepherd in April 2011 as registrar and then moved into her role as principal's secretary shortly thereafter. Coleen is more than that- she is a valued member of our administrative team, she is cheerleader for our students, she is our party planner and at times our shoulder to cry on. She attacks every task with skill and grace and always, always has a minute to chat or a piece of chocolate to share.
Coleen is highly professional and strives to go above and beyond. Her organizational skills are beyond compare as she expertly manages multiple budgets, projects, and work orders. Coleen communicates regularly with several important departments, and she greets our Operations and Grounds employees by name. There is not a question that throws her, except if we should have Taco Bell or Salad and Go for lunch. Coleen, I hope you know that this spotlight shines on you everyday!