Corpus Christi Student Pens Tribute to His Favorite Teacher

Thursday was a special day for many of the teachers at Corpus Christi School who received bright yellow roses from Bill O'Shea's Florist, a show of gratitude in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.

John Kosakowski, Bill O'Shea's owner, invited the students to enter an essay contest where they were asked to write about their favorite teacher sharing why he/she inspired them, motivated them and what made their favorite teacher "great" in their eyes.

More than 20 students at Corpus Christi turned in essays nominating their favorite teacher for the honor – but it was the heartwarming story of Daniel Oliviera about his bond with gym teacher Kimberly Solimine that truly stood out the most, said Kosakowski.

Kosakowski declared Daniel the winner of the contest and Solimine was presented with a dozen yellow roses in honor of being the subject of the winning essay. He also presented one yellow rose to the other teacher nominees.

In his essay, the seventh grader shared his story about how his teacher was always there to comfort him especially during difficult times like when his grandfather was ill.

"She's very nice and she really cares a lot," he said of his favorite teacher.

"Daniel is a really smart student and he and his sisters are all really great kids," said Solomine.

Daniel says she has always been there for him over the past few years like the time when he fell down the steps and she wouldn't leave his side until he was okay.

"I will never, ever forget all the things Ms. Solomine has done for me in my time of need," Daniel wrote in his winning essay.

Kosakowski was impressed with all the entries but especially Daniel's which he said he could really see the personal connection he has with his teacher.

The shop owner also asked students from Euclid and Lincoln schools to submit essays and plans to award roses to the recipients in the near future.

This was the first year he hosted this essay contest and he has plans to do it again next year.

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