Jennifer Wilhelm, a fifth grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, never knew she would become a teacher. She began her career as a journalism student in high school and in college she was a history major. Her career after college quickly took a different turn as she embarked in a career in business banking for 10 years.

Years later she had a daughter and took some time off. When she decided to go back to work she wanted to do something different so she became a preschool teacher. She realized that she loved teaching and made teaching kids her main passion.

Find out why teaching fifth grade to her is perfect.

Sun: How did you get started as a teacher?

Wilhelm: I was actually working at Gallup High School in the counseling office as a secretary and the assistant principal. At the time, Kim Orr, hounded me for an entire year before I would finally go back to school.

So, I got my educators degree in elementary education.

Before that I was originally a history major in college, and that was right out of high school. I left college and I spent ten years in business banking. I did high-end business loans and construction loans.

We got pregnant with my youngest daughter and we decided that I didn’t want to be working at that time, so I quit and I stayed home. When I was ready to go back to work, I wanted to work somewhere else, so I started teaching at a private Christian preschool. And that is when I realized that I enjoyed teaching and that was nine years ago.

Sun: How long have you been a teacher at Jefferson Elementary?

Wilhelm: This has been my third year here teaching. I started out with second grade and then I moved to third grade in the middle of last year, and the principal put me up to fifth grade. And I love it. Fifth grade is the best and I will stay here forever.

Sun: How is it like being a teacher in such a diverse environment such as Gallup?

Wilhelm: My dad was in the military, so I was born in Germany, I grew up in Texas, went to high school and college in Arizona. I guess growing up in the military, I grew up with such diverse friends and in such diverse cultures.

My husband, however, was born and raised, fifth generation Gallupian, and he was part of the founding families. I really like it because the kids bring so much to it, you know, some of them are city kids. My daughter, we live in a ranch, that is what my husband does, my husband is a rancher, and so she brings the country aspect.

We have some kids that have just moved here, and some that have been here for generations. We have some kids whose parents went to school with teachers. I’ve got kids that are Hispanic and I got kids that are Native American. I’ve got kids that are of mixed ethnicities. There really is a sense of community amongst our kids and I really like that. I think that if you had kids that were all the same, I think you almost lose that.

Sun: What kind of impact do you think your role, as a leadership role, has on your students?

Wilhelm: I think more than I could ever probably realize the impact that I have. I am always honest with them.  I tell them that this isn’t going to be this easy and tell them this is something that you are going to use in this class but when you leave out that door, you may never use it again, but you got to know it!

But, just as honest as saying, this is something you will have to have for the rest of your life. This is something that you are going to have to know to be able to be a parent, an employee, a successful person in life. I never thought as myself as a leader. I am their teacher. I am teaching them, and giving them, hopefully what they need and I hope it is enough. It is like being a parent. I mean, I worry about them on the weekends, birthdays, and how they are doing.

When I have them and they come to this classroom, they are as much as mine as my own is, so I hope that I give them what they need not only for here but for life.

Sun: How do you feel that elementary education has changed up until now versus 10, 20, or 30 years ago?

Wilhelm: I can tell you right now, what I am teaching, in math, in fifth grade is what I learned in eighth grade. It is three years ahead of where it was, 10-15 years ago. The students are expected to know just as much at a younger age, and so, you have to really encourage them and let them know they can do it. Then, giving them the tools, the skills, and the confidence to do it.

I have three posters up. One says, “Mistakes are just proof that you are trying.” I always told them, if the world was perfect, there would be no erasers. I always tell them, “I’m not telling you it is going to be easy, I’m telling you that it is going to be worth it,” I try to use examples of real life people. I use the example of Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison a lot. They were both told in school that they weren’t intelligent enough, they weren’t worth the time, they couldn’t do it, and they would never be successful. And look at where they ended up. A lot of my kids realize that just because they are struggling does not mean that they cannot succeed.

Sun: Do you have any goals as a teacher right now that you would like to share with us?

Wilhelm: To me, I will be a success this year if they walk out that door and they love to read. They read because they love it and not because someone told them they have to, or if it is required for class. Also, if they can be successful in life. I mean to me, not all my kids will not go on to college. Sadly, a lot of them will not graduate high school. It is the fact in our community. Do I want them to? Oh yes! Are they all capable of it? You better believe it! I will be on their tail if I ever find out that they are think about dropping out. But it is a reality we face, but I want them to be successful in life and to understand that you can be successful in life, even if you don’t go to college.

Sun: Besides teaching, what do you do in your spare time?

Wilhelm: We hunt, we fish, and we camp. I don’t do as much free time as I would like, because you take everything home with you. A teacher’s free time is planning for the next lesson. But, I just like spending time with my family. Our family has a ranch, so, I help out my husband. Our daughters do too ...we are free labor. I give them a hard time about it.

Sun: Who do you look up to as a teacher?

Wilhelm: I would not be here, where I am at today, if it hadn’t been for Kim Orr. Dr. Kim Orr. She is the principal at the Gallup High School. I absolutely would not be here. She truly believed in me and my possibilities as a teacher when I didn’t even know they were there.

Sun: One of your students wrote, “Mrs. Wilhelm has helped me to be a straight-A student and has taught me what discipline and respect is.” How do you feel about this?

Wilhelm: I was so blown away first away that one of my students thought that much about me. Then really reading that, makes me realize, the little things that you do, and you don’t think about, you are not conscientiously doing it, those are the things that they pick up on. It was very humbling, that here he is, eleven years old and that is his take away.

Sun: Describe your students in one word.

Wilhelm: Enthusiastic. They are enthusiastic in anything that they do. They really do pour everything into whether it is projects, or games we play, or work we do, they jump in with both feet and sometimes it is just the physical. They are bouncing-off-the-walls-enthusiastic.

Sun: Is there any advice that you would like to give to your students?

Wilhelm: Never give up. Never.

For Jessica Landavazo-Guillen, first year principal of Jefferson Elementary School, had many positive things to say about Mrs. Wilhelm, saying that she is heavily involved in the school’s activities: “She is an amazing teacher. She gets her student’s excited about learning and you can see that with every student in her class. She is willing to help out in the school in any area that needs it. She’s helped do professional development with staff. She’s our spelling bee chairman this year. She’s willing to help not to just better her class but better the school.”

Camille’s Sidewalk Café continues to award a candidate each month for the 2015-2016 school year. To nominate your teacher, fill out an entry form at Camille’s Sidewalk Café, 306 S. Second St. in Gallup.

For the month of November, the Octavia Fellin Public Library will be hosting a myriad of events to celebrate “Native American Heritage Month” which will illuminate this year’s national theme: “Growing Native Leaders: Enhancing Seven Generations.”

The library’s Director, Mary Ellen Pellington, said that the main objective is to build the program up from last year’s events and to provide information to the community that will bring up some challenging discussions, such as the recent publicized incident of two local Native American actors, Loren Anthony and Goldie Tom, who walked off the set from an Adam Sandler film, “The Ridiculous Six.”

On Nov. 9, both actors will be attendance to lead an open discussion about Native American stereotypes portrayed in Hollywood films following the viewing of the film, “Reel Injun,” a documentary that studies the roles of Native Americans throughout film history.

“When the library puts together a celebration such as this, we look at what our resources are, who is in our communities, ideas and activities that the entire community would enjoy and learn from. We look at discussions, speakers and entertainers, artists, and films,” Pellington said.

Since it was already on top of the “to-do list” for the library staff to plan bigger for this year’s scheduled line-up, it took a tremendous amount of teamwork, said Marcos Chavez, library assistant, who has been a part of helping out with coordinating the library’s events. This will be the second year that he will partake in the library’s Native American festivities.

“Staff as a team did a great job reaching out to the different people that we brought in this year,” he said. “Each of us got out and attempted to contact certain people to have them be a part of this. All of the programs that we have happening was a result of multiple people working really hard to contact people, schedule dates and times, and get it all planned out.”

This is will be the sixth year that the library will be hosting different events for Native American Heritage Month, and an estimated 800-1000 people will be in attendance to see the festivities throughout the month of November.

“The library programs are always very well attended and different programs attract different people. The library looks forward in sharing our Native American Heritage Month celebration with our community,” Pellington said.

Here is a list of performances, films, discussions with guest speakers, storytelling and projects that the Octavia Fellin Public Library is hosting for the month of November for Native American Heritage Month:

Jerry Brown Art Exhibit

Navajo artist Jerry Brown will have his work on exhibit throughout the library during the month of November. His cultural and abstract works of art are a balance between stylistic strategies and cultural expression. Brown’s artwork will be visible from Nov. 1 – 30. On Nov.14, there will be a special reception during November’s Artscrawl from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

Occupation of Alcatraz

On Nov. 7 at 2 pm, the library will host Jean Whitehorse as she discusses the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz by the IOAT (Indians of all Tribes). Eighty-nine Native Americans, including students, married couples and six children, occupied Alcatraz Island on November 20, 1969, claiming the property as part of the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868). The 19-month occupation saw as many as 400 people on the island. Whitehorse was one of those occupants and she will talk about her experience during the IOAT takeover.

Whitehorse is from Smith Lake and she is the daughter of Edmund J. Henry Sr., who was a Navajo Code Talker. She served 10 years with the Navajo Code Talker Association and is currently working for the State Library with the Tribal Libraries Program.

Out-casting the Native Stereotype in Film: Documentary Viewing and Discussion

On Nov. 9 at 5:30 pm, there will be an open discussion about Native American stereotypes in film with local actors Loren Anthony and Goldie Tom. The program will begin with a viewing of the documentary “Reel Injun” by Cree film maker Neil Diamond. This film takes an entertaining and insightful look at the “Hollywood Indian,” exploring the portrayal of North American Natives through the history of cinema. It includes interviews with Clint Eastwood, Adam Beach, John Trudell, Chris Eyre, and many more.  Following the viewing, Anthony and Tom will discuss first hand experiences, including the recent walk-off from the Adam Sandler film. Refreshments will be provided.

Hoop Dancer Derrick Suwaima Davis

On Nov. 10 at 6 pm, the Library will host Derrick Suwaima Davis, seven-time international hoop dancing champion. Davis is from the Hopi and Choctaw nations and will be performing at the library. After having performed internationally for years, he has turned his attention to presenting the people and cultures of the Southwestern U.S. via The Living Traditions Dance Troupe.

Chip Thomas and the Painted Desert Project

On Nov.12 at 6 pm, doctor and artist Chip Thomas will be at the library to discuss health and economic demographics on the Navajo Nation, combining arts activism with his work as a physician. He will also talk about the journey that led to him to create the Painted Desert public art project. Thomas is the founder of the project, a public art project connecting artists with communities through mural opportunities on the Navajo Nation.

Miss Navajo – Alyson Shirley

On Nov. 16 at 6 pm, Miss Navajo 2015-2016 Alyson Shirley, will talk about her journey to become Miss Navajo and her goals for her people. Her desire as Miss Navajo Nation is to promote the Navajo language and culture, and she will be sharing the importance of preserving her language and traditions.

Native Films

The library will hosting a variety of Native American Films that will begin at 6 pm and popcorn will be provided.

On Nov. 4 “Up Heartbreak Hill;” on Nov.18, “A Thousand Voices,” (a discussion with Teri Frazier to follow); and on Nov. 24, “Incident at Olgala.”

Cellicion Zuni Dancers

On Nov. 21 at 2 pm, the Children’s Branch will host the Cellicion Zuni Dancers as they perform traditional Zuni Dances. Founded by their late parents in 1983, the Cellicion Zuni Dancers entire dance group consists of 15 family members and is made up of second, third, and fourth generation performers. Under the direction of Fernando Cellicion, the group has become one of the top professional touring native Dance companies in the performing arts.

For the Kids

On Nov.7 and 14 at 2 pm, the library will present “Raven Tales.” This award-winning animated series introduces kids and their families to Aboriginal folklore in a humorous and entertaining way. Three episodes will be shown each Saturday.  On Nov. 5 at 4 pm, the library will be hosting a Crafty Kids project pertaining to Navajo Weaving.

For more information, please call (505) 863-1291 or (505) 726-6120.

Police are looking for the individual that shot a man last night, shortly before 7 pm, at the Black Diamond Mobile Home Park on East Wilson.

Gallup Police Department officials are currently investigating the incident, but the victim (details pending) was shot once in the abdomen.

After being shot, he went to the Med Star Ambulance location at 208 W. Maloney where paramedics applied initial treatment, then transferred the man to Gallup Indian Medical Center.

GPD Sgt. Rosanne Kavzlarich said the man's injuries are non-life threatening and that he's currently hospitalized.

Kavzarich said it's unclear if the victim the knew the shooter, but anyone with information is encouraged to call GPD at (505) 863-9365.

October Teacher of the Month

REHOBOTH—Lorrinda Horace, a second-grade teacher at Rehoboth-Christian Elementary School, took time out of her busy school schedule to share her thoughts on winning Camille’s Sidewalk Café, “Teacher of the Month” and shares what she likes to do in her spare time, when she’s not  teaching.

There were more than 40 entries for October “Teacher of the Month” title and Horace received three nominations.

Sun: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Horace: My name is Lorrinda Horace, I am 42-years-old and I live in St. Michaels, Ariz. I have two sons and one daughter. I really started off working at a small Christian school, called Hilltop, and that is where I always wanted to be at, a small Christian school. I took some time out and home schooled my children for a couple of years. Years later, a second grade position opened up at Rehoboth and I took it. I have my degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University and that is all that I wanted to do is become a teacher. My future goal is to get my Master’s Degree and receive my Masters in Reading Program.

Sun: What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Horace: It is at the elementary level where I enjoy because I like to take a concept, something that is a big mystery to the students, whether it is addition, regrouping, taking symbols that make no sense, and putting them together. You teach them through strategies, different methods and it is that time … that second grade is the class that you see it the most. You get a lot of “Oh! I understand now!”or “Oh, that is what you do!”

Sun: Describe your students in one word.

Horace: Innovative …They are! Second grade has always been second grade. They love to look at things a different way and take a part things. They love to help solve problems and they are quick.

Sun: What is one memorable moment that you experienced while teaching at Rehoboth?

Horace: I will have to share the one from last week. I had gotten ready and I didn’t know whether to wear my loafers or flats that day. I went to look for my daughter and I asked her, “Hey what shoes do you think I should wear?” And I am thinking, why am I asking her? They are just shoes. Eventually, I ended up doing my own thing and I was sitting in the car, I looked down and realize my shoes are two different colors! (laughs) The students loved it.

Sun: How do you feel about being recently selected as “Teacher of the Month?”

Horace: To me, I was like wow, I never win anything. I just do what I have to do, and here I am winning something so I was really surprised. I immediately texted my children and they were so excited. It was very welcoming to me because it was a hard weekend because my husband had just had a heart attack, and I was very thankful. The timing was wonderful.

Sun: Who was your role model growing up?

Horace: My mom. She’s always wanted, I think as every mother does, for your offspring to go further than you did. She never finished her education. She was able to stay home and become caretaker because her mom taught her all the care taking duties. She was limited in that way and she always wanted more for us. I am thankful that she kept pushing me.

Sun: What do you see that is different from your parent’s generation, to your generation, to today’s generation as you teach?

Horace: My dad had the boarding school education, he didn’t have a choice and he was shipped off to Oregon. He tells me things that he had to endure. Being away for such a long time, and he didn’t have that parental involvement. I compare the days to where he was taught to today, where I am in this school, where parents are such a big part of education. The parents are here constantly doing volunteer work. They are practically beating down my door, “What else can I do?” They are sorting out books for me, punching out flash cards, changing out folders, and if something needs grading, they are willing to help. I love that about this school, which is very different from what my dad had.

Sun: What do you do in your spare time?

Horace: I love to bake. I have a huge recipe collection. I just love to cook and bake. I also have tons of books because I love to read. During the summer months, I have my little garden patch and garden pots. All of that consumes all of my time.

Sun: What is some advice that you would like to give your second grade class?

Horace: I would like for them to grasp what they can about what they are learning in class. Keep reading and continue to write every day. I always encourage them to keep their journal. To memorize their math memorization facts. That is so important because we always hear from the teachers above us that they don’t have that. They struggle in that. Continue to come to school and do your homework.

Rehoboth-Christian Elementary School Principal Jim Holwerda describes Horace as a positive person and a team player.

“She is also a very caring person to her students and spends a lot of time in preparation.  She knows her students well and that only comes because she works hard,” he said.

Camille’s Sidewalk Café will pick a candidate at the end of each month during the 2015 - 2016 school year. To nominate your teacher, fill out an entry form at Camille’s Sidewalk Café, 306 S. 2^nd St. in Gallup.