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"My Jersey, Our Journey" - it’s a new tradition started here at Brookfield High School where Senior football players pick one teacher or staff member who has played an integral role in their lives during their career here at Brookfield and presented them with a game day jersey. Staff members wore or displayed the jerseys in their rooms on Friday, September 22, 2023. The idea for the recognition came from Assistant Principal Mr. Wagner who felt it was important for seniors to pay tribute to those educators who have made a difference to them. Those who were chosen say they were genuinely touched, humbled, and surprised by the gesture.

Brett Carsone - Mrs. Arp
Carsone is pretty straightforward when it comes to sharing why he selected Mrs. Arp, saying matter-of-factly, “She’s my favorite teacher!”


“Being selected by Brett for having an impact on his time at BLSD  is really an honor,” Arp says. “As a veteran teacher, 31 years in the classroom, to be acknowledged by a student is still as heartwarming now as when I first started. I would like to thank Brett's parents for raising such an awesome kid. To Brett-thank you for choosing me and making our classroom and BHS a better place.”

Hayden Hoskin - Mr. Harnett
Honoring Mr. Harnett, Hoskin says, was an easy decision to make, sharing he found inspiration in stories the history teacher would tell about his time playing sports as a student at Brookfield High School. In addition, Hoskin says, “Mr. Harnett is just the nicest teacher and was always so laid back.”


For Harnett, he says Hoskin was always a quiet student in class and as much as he tried, he generally kept quiet, so for him to present his jersey to him in front of the class is a reward in and of itself. “Sometimes, as a teacher, you have no idea how much students take in,” Harnett says. “Then something like this happens and it’s humbling to realize ‘I’m making an impact.’ This is why I do what I do.”

Kaiden Kirila - Mr. Hughes
For Kirila, the impact Mr. Hughes has had on him has essentially been life-shaping. “From being my building trades teacher to defensive coordinator, he’s made me not only a better student and football player but overall a better person.”


“It is an absolute privilege for him to choose me to wear his jersey,” Hughes says about the recognition. “I’ve coached him for several years and had him in class for the last two. To be able to guide him as a player and as a student into a career in the trades is such a reward. This is why I do what I do, and I’m truly humbled he thought of me in this moment.”

Troy Randall - Mr. Gibson
The path to graduation could look a lot different for Randall had it not been for Mr. Gibson. “Mr. Gibson made me change my ways,” Randall says. Randall freely admits he spent a lot of time in Mr. Gibson’s office during his elementary and middle school years. “He’s influenced me from my bad behaviors to my good behaviors,” Randall says. “He’s a good man and gave me good advice and set me on the right path.”


It’s rare for the district’s current Superintendent to be rendered speechless, but this moment did it. “I’m stunned and shocked,” Gibson says. “Troy spent a lot of time in my office when I was the elementary and middle school Principal, he made some interesting choices. But I’m really proud of the paths he’s choosing and I’m just honored.”

Brian Smith - Mrs. Henry
A little kindness goes a long way and the compassion Mrs. Henry has always shown Smith is something that’s stuck with him. “She was just always willing to help me when I needed it,” he says. “She’s my favorite teacher, she cares so much about everyone, and she’s been my inspiration to work hard.”


For Mrs. Henry, she says this is such an honor. “Teachers generally don't get a lot of awards and when they do, it's adults recognizing us. When a student, who sees what you do every day, recognizes you, it is extra special and it carries a lot more weight to that recognition. My heart is very full today as I wear Brian's jersey. It is especially gratifying to be recognized by Brian as he also reminds me of my son, who is a senior at Canfield. Both are excellent math students and have a strong curiosity about how mathematics works. I have always encouraged Brian to work to his full potential and while sometimes he didn't agree with me, I know he is capable of doing great things academically. I am grateful to be recognized by Brian as someone who has had a significant impact on his life.”


Henry goes on to add, “I'm privileged to have taught all five seniors and I've had four of the five for two classes. I chose to go into education because I wanted to help students with their understanding of mathematics. As a teacher, you want to make a difference in students' lives but yet, you don't think about the difference you actually are making. To be recognized by any student as someone who has made a difference in their lives is humbling and exciting at the same time. It reminds me why I am a teacher and why I do what I do. It has definitely made my week and quite possibly may be the highest point of the last several months for me personally.”


Congratulations to all of our seniors and to the educators who helped inspire them along their journeys!