Spotlight on: Ashley Sommer
December 2025 High School Teacher of the Month
The Student Council decides monthly student and teacher awards with a specific category each month. The category for December 2025 was “community engagement” for students and teachers.
The Senior Student of the Month awards go to two seniors per month who are nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-11.
The High School Teacher of the Month award goes to one teacher per month who is nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-12. All Teachers of the Month become eligible to become Teacher of the Year in June.
The December 2025 Senior Students of the Month are Anna Marquissee and Arthur Dadello, and the December 2025 High School Teacher of the Month is Ashley Sommer.
Below is a Q&A with Ashley Sommer:
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Q. What inspired you to extend your impact beyond the classroom and into the community?
A. I’ve always liked being someone others can go to for help. Seeing how much even small acts of encouragement can change someone’s experience inspired me to want to make a positive impact in the classroom and beyond.
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Q. What does receiving Teacher of the Month for community engagement mean to you?
A. It really means a lot to me. I don’t do what I do for recognition, so being acknowledged for community engagement is especially meaningful. It’s a reminder that even small efforts to support others can make a difference.
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Q. Can you describe a community project or initiative that you found especially meaningful?
A. It’s hard to pick just one, since they’re all so meaningful to me. From supporting kids and families through Herkimer Little League and Pop Warner to helping Mrs. Scalise and Mrs. Jones with Student Council projects and advising the Yearbook Club. I have especially enjoyed supporting our seniors during their final year of high school and helping out with graduation, which is always really special to me.
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Q. How has your community involvement shaped your teaching philosophy or practices?
A. Being involved in the community has reinforced how important connection and encouragement are in my role as a teaching assistant. It’s helped me focus on supporting students both academically and personally.
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Q. What strategies do you use to encourage students to participate in community service?
A. Through my involvement in local youth sports, I like to get students excited about giving back. I encourage them to come down to the Little League and Pop Warner fields to experience how fun and rewarding it can be to help out. Oftentimes, it pushes them to want to get involved and keep coming back.
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Q. Was there a particular moment during your involvement that reinforced why this work matters?
A. There wasn’t just one specific moment, but seeing students I’ve supported in the classroom also step up and get involved in the community has really reinforced why this work matters. Watching their confidence grow, both in and out of school, makes all of it feel worthwhile.
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Q. Have you connected any classroom learning or school programs to your community efforts?
A. Yes, mostly through conversations and encouragement. Since I work with students across different subjects and grade levels, I try to help them see how the skills they’re learning in school like teamwork, responsibility and communication connect to community involvement and real-life experiences.
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Q. What role do you think schools play in fostering a culture of community service?
A. Schools play an important role by encouraging involvement, providing opportunities and helping students see the value of giving back.
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Q. What guidance would you offer educators or students who want to create positive change?
A. You don’t have to do everything; just do something. Small acts of involvement and kindness can add up to meaningful change.
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Q. Are there any upcoming community goals or initiatives you’re looking forward to pursuing?
A. I’m looking forward to continuing the work I’m already involved in and finding even more ways to support students who may need a little extra encouragement. Helping students push through challenges, stay motivated and reach milestones like graduation is something I’m really excited to keep building on.