Sam McPhetres, left, is recognized by the Haines sixth grade (Corinne Smith/KHNS)

Haines sixth graders surprised teacher Sam McPhetres with a citizenship award on Monday, for his dedication to the school and Haines community. KHNS’ Corinne Smith reports.

Sam McPhetres is the Haines School’s computer science teacher and technology coordinator, and the go-to photographer and videographer at school celebrations, as well as most community events. So he didn’t think anything of it when he was called over to the sixth grade classroom Monday morning to photograph an award ceremony. 

Instead, sixth graders surprised him with the annual citizenship award to recognize his work and service to the community. Students wrote a dedication, and presented the award, along with a paper crown and a banner with notes of appreciation. 

“Mr. McPhetres, you have done so much for our community,” sixth grader Jasmine Rettinger, reading on behalf of the class. “You record all the events for our school activities, you keep us and our parents up to date with all the activities done in our school. You are always willing to help our community when we are in need, and you always help other teachers even when you’re busy. The sixth grade class wanted to thank you and recognize you by giving you this award.”

A student with a makeshift paper sword in hand then knights McPhetres, and then present snickerdoodles – made by Mrs McPhetres, who was also there – which they found out were his favorite. 

Rettinger told KHNS she was a bit nervous about the surprise ceremony, but it was a success. 

“It was definitely a fun experience, he seemed very happy and I was proud of his reaction,” she said. 

Classmate Rylee Sloan says the class voted and agreed to present the award to Mr McPhetres. She says he’s taught them valuable skills like how to use a computer, and how to type. And it’s also about his attitude in the classroom.

“He has good humor, and he’s pretty funny,” Sloan said. “But he also can be serious, and he’s a good teacher. And you know, he’s just a really fun person to be around.”

“I’m very honored,” McPhetres told KHNS. “We get awards for being teachers all the time but getting an award directly from students is the best thing you could possibly get.”

Of his citizenship and work in the community, he says it’s part of being in the Haines community. 

“Haines is a community that helps each other, he said.”It’s the way that we survive as a community, is just to make sure that we help everybody.”

Sixth grade teacher Jordan Baumgartner says the award is part of the health curriculum, where the class discusses character and values.

“So in class we talk about what it means to have integrity, or to be respectful, how to be a good listener, how to be tactful,” he said.

That includes being a good citizen or participant of your family, school, or wider community. So the class voted to honor Mr. McPhetres. 

“He’s behind the scenes in almost everything we do at the school. And then his volunteer work in the community too,” Baumgartner said. “He’s very important to Haines.” 

Citizenship awards from the sixth grade class have gone to all sorts of important Haines people and organizations in past years, including parent  Krystal Loyd last year for her support of the class following the 2020 storm disaster, teacher and coach Lori Giddings, and service organizations like the Uglys of Haines.