Spartan Voices

No seriously, unclench your jaw, drop your shoulders, and inhale for a second because April is Stress Awareness Month, which is kind of ironic considering this is the time of year when school decides to act like you don’t have a life outside of assignments, tests, and responsibilities piling up all at once, and somehow the weather gets nicer while your schedule gets worse; the sun is out longer but so is your to-do list, and if you’ve been telling yourself “I’ll catch up later,” this is your sign that later has officially arrived, and yes I know Regents are around the corner and they matter, but please, your mental health matters too and burning yourself out before you even get there is not the strategy. Stress is sneaky like that, it builds up in the small things like lack of sleep, constant overthinking, and that feeling that you’re always behind even when you’re trying your best, and pretending it’s not there usually just makes it louder, and sometimes it even shows up in your friendships, like random tension, arguments, or feeling annoyed at people you actually care about, so if things feel off in your friend group, remember they’re probably stressed too and not just out to ruin your day, so check in on each other, give a little grace, and maybe don’t turn one bad moment into a full fallout. Instead of ignoring stress, try doing something small that actually helps, like taking real breaks without guilt, stepping outside for a minute, drinking water even though everyone says it like it’s life-changing advice, and lowering the pressure to be perfect all the time because not everything needs to be your best work, sometimes getting it done is enough, and honestly expecting yourself to always be productive and put together is unrealistic and exhausting; and if it starts to feel like too much, talk to someone because handling everything alone is not a requirement for being strong, so while April might still be chaotic and your responsibilities are definitely not disappearing anytime soon, Stress Awareness Month is at least a reminder to pause, check in with yourself, check in on your people, and breathe before everything stacks up too high.

With gratitude as I retire

When I started at Gates Chili in 2001, our community was a little smaller and wonderfully close-knit. We ate lunch together, debriefed Friday afternoons at Tut’s, celebrated retirements at Rick’s Prime Rib, kicked off the new school year at Sully’s, and packed the house for Christmas parties. We knew one another well, and I made some of my very best friends during those years.

I loved every minute of the faculty basketball games—even if my stomach was in knots until tipoff. I had the joy of teaching colleagues Photoshop and art classes, serving as Teacher Leader for the Art Department for seven years, and building lasting bonds with so many seniors in Senior Portfolio. A special milestone: teaching the children of former students—proof I’ve been around a while!

Teaching has been fulfilling and enriching. Being a teacher made me a better mom, and being a mom made me a better teacher. I feel truly blessed to have played a small role in my students’ daily lives.

As I step into retirement, I’m looking forward to time with my new granddaughter, Nora, a few days a week; working part-time with Homesteads for Hope; continuing my cookie business; making art; and—at long last—waking up at a reasonable hour.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to know me, cared about my life beyond school, and showed such kindness. I will miss you and wish you all the best—and until your own retirement day arrives, live with purpose and don’t take things too seriously.

All my best… I’ll see you along the way. Susan McAtee

Reflecting on my time at Gates, I’m filled with immense gratitude. On the lighter side, laughter was a daily guarantee here. Whether it was a student’s quick wit or pulling off the ultimate prank—like the time I somehow managed to 'park' two of my colleagues' cars right on the pitcher’s mound—there was never a dull moment.

But what will always bring the biggest smile to my face is the honor of working with our special needs students. Watching them navigate school with such resilience was truly inspiring. It’s incredibly difficult to give your all when you feel like you're starting behind or when learning takes a little longer, but watching those students fight hard and grow every single day was the absolute best part of my career.

Todd Esposito

Special Education Teacher

Deep in roots carved and grounded

Budding leaves and sprouting trees
I must say that’s “pure life”
Crack and poked, logs with green
Moss points direction to mean
Fire! Fire! This is not pure life this is destruction filled with strife.
Life is no more
Everything down to its very core
The reason for life
The concept death
Truly it will be reborn
Anew Thine life
Along with strife.
That’s what’s also Pure Life.

I walk through woods where sunlight paints the ground,

The leaves like whispers tell me what they know.

In every breeze, a secret thought is found,

And rivers carry stories as they flow.

My pen records the sparrow’s fleeting song,

Yet pauses when my mind begins to roam.

I chase ideas that twist and turn along,

Like vines that climb the walls of thought at home.

The meadow blooms, but still I question why,

Each petal sparks a hundred paths to take.

I write, erase, then let the ink reply,

A restless heart that art alone can wake.

So nature calms the storm inside my head,

Her voice and mine entwined in lines I’ve read.

As you walk across the stage and begin the next chapter of your lives, know that you leave behind more than a school. You leave behind memories, friendships, lessons, and a community that has watched you grow.

The world ahead of you is full of possibilities. Go off and do great things. Chase your dreams with courage and determination. Don't be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and try things that challenge you. Some of the most rewarding experiences in life begin with a little uncertainty and a lot of bravery.

Conquer your fears. Say yes to new opportunities. Travel somewhere you've never been. Learn something unexpected. Meet people whose stories are different from your own. Growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.

Most importantly, be kind. In a world that often feels divided, choose decency. Choose compassion. Choose respect. Be the person who includes others, who lifts people up, who stands up for what is right, and who makes others feel seen and valued.

Your accomplishments will matter, but your character will matter even more. The way you treat people, the integrity you show, and the kindness you extend will leave a lasting impact long after awards, grades, and titles are forgotten.

We are proud of who you are and excited for who you will become. Carry your Gates Chili pride with you wherever life takes you, and never underestimate the difference one thoughtful, courageous, and compassionate person can make.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. The future is waiting for you.

Go forward boldly, dream big, work hard, and always remember to be kind.

With pride and best wishes,

Your Gates Chili Family