Many students have favorite teachers that make an impact on their academic and personal lives. For many students, French teacher Sandy Nitcher is that teacher. Nitcher is special to the students and staff because she tries her best to form long-lasting relationships with them from now into adulthood.
Assistant Principal Aaron Leichner was a student of Nitcher’s. Leichner described her as genuine and kind. As a former student and now a colleague, he can still feel how much she loves her students.

“We went on a trip to France,” Leichner said. “I remember on the tour bus I’d get up and sing to the bus. It was iconic. I have so many good memories but this is one I will always remember.”
MSHS French teacher, Jennifer Kerr is a colleague and close friend of Nitcher. Kerr agrees with Leichner and says, “she is also enthusiastic and hilarious.”
“Ms. Nitcher and I always wear our fire chief hats,” Kerr said. “We used to wear them all of the time and I still wear mine. It was Ms. Nitcher’s idea to do that, and I have loved it ever since.”
Nitcher said she remembered Leichner had a good voice. She loved having him as a student.
There is one specific time Nitcher said will be her worst memory. That was when Covid hit badly and teachers and students had to go remote and hybrid.
“I hated it so much when we had to go from normal to remote to hybrid,” Nitcher said. “It just was not the same and it was more difficult for teachers and students.”

She said she hated it because she couldn’t have a normal interaction with her students and it was hard for everyone.
Nitcher said that she loves many things about MHS.
“Maize has always had a strong sense of community and it has always felt like a family,” Nitcher said.

She said that her favorite course overall is French II.
Leichner says that if he could change one thing about Ms. Nitcher, he would not change a single thing. She was fun and conversational and he liked that she had good interaction with him and his peers. One thing he said he remembers is when “she had my class translate music and I applied it which helped.”
“Ms. Nitcher has always done a good job with forming wonderful relationships with her students, even when they graduate and go into adulthood,” Kerr said. “To me, she is perfect, although the only thing I could say would be to take more time for herself.”

Editor’s Note: After further contemplation, Nitcher has decided to stay in the Maize district and will be returning as an English teacher in the fall of 2022.