Plainfield South Teacher to be Recognized by Nevada University

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield South High School senior Brianna Rickard was tired of school when she entered her final semester in the spring of 2016.

Her classes were monotonous, said the now-freshman at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

That was until she entered John Miller’s rhetoric class.

“From the very first day he was enthusiastic and passionate, and that enthusiasm never faded at all throughout my whole semester in his class,” Rickard said. “Mr. Miller truly cared about his students.”

Miller will be recognized at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Teacher Recognition Program in October, thanks to Rickard’s nomination.

Each year, University of Nevada-Las Vegas freshmen are asked to nominate a teacher who made a difference in their lives.

Miller was chosen from hundreds of nominees.

Good teachers don’t consciously think they should care for their students, Miller said, it’s just something that is there from Day One.

“You see all they can be in an instant and it makes your heart glad,” he said.

Rickard remembers Miller’s comments from a personal essay assignment that went beyond simple “nice job” or “develop more.”

“His lessons extended far beyond the classroom,” she said.

He is thankful, humbled and grateful for the recognition, Miller said.

“The best part is that you’ve made a connection with someone that helped them grow,” Miller said of Rickard’s nomination.

Miller teaches seniors and honors classes, and also co-sponsors the senior class each year. Each year he offers the same timeless advice to his graduating seniors.

“Love still matters, there are things (greater) than themselves, and there is still room for sincerity in life,” Miller said.

Photo: Plainfield South High School English teacher John Miller will be honored in October through the University of Nevada-Las Vegas’ Teacher Recognition Program. Miller was nominated by 2016 graduate Brianna Rickard, who is now a freshman at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. In this photo, Miller is dressed as a senior citizen for the high school’s Homecoming activities. Miller, who also is co-sponsor of the PSHS senior class, wears the theme of each day to show solidarity with the senior class he sponsors. (Courtesy of Plainfield School District 202)

Submitted by Plainfield School District 202