Milford Teacher Appreciation Week: Readers Share Stories

MILFORD, CT — Monday marks the start of Teacher Appreciation Week in the U.S. We asked Milford Patch readers on Facebook about a teacher who made a big difference in their life.

Here are some of the responses we received:

Emily Nobles wrote: "I will forever remember Lisa Fico Milburn as I know many others will. Even if it was just second grade I will always remember her as being my favorite teacher. She told the best stories and always went out of her way to make sure everything was okay in our home lives and that we were learning in the way that best suit our needs. And how when you added to butterfly pin collection it was so special to her."

Kristin Sciarappa wrote: "Mr. Pilla and Mrs. Scrivines at Orchard Hills, Mr. Marattoli at East Shore, and Miss Chuka (Mrs. Reilly) and Mr. Jeynes at Foran. All for different reasons but they were all not just good teachers, but good people."

Adrianne Spangler wrote: "I will forever be grateful for Mrs.Doherty at pumpkin delight we no longer live in Milford but last year she advocated for my daughter more than anyone else ever has. She worked tirelessly to get her up to speed, checked in at least once a week (usually more) to let me know what progress had been made. She talked with my daughter when she was having a bad day. When we moved she said she would do anything to continue to advocate for her even in her new school. Because of her my daughter is beginning to flourish! Thank you!"

Tara Lee wrote: "Mrs. Drazdowsky was my math teacher freshman year at Foran High. Up until I stepped into her classroom, I believe I was destined to fail every math course I was forced to take. She was the first and only teacher to take the time to explain math problems to me in a way I could understand. I will forever be grateful to her for teaching me that just because I may not understand something at first does not mean I can’t do it, it simply means I have to figure out a way to do it differently"