Farewell to science teacher, Mr. Sinkler

After twenty-five years at Southern Lehigh High School, biology teacher Mr. Edward Sinkler will retire at the conclusion of this school year. Throughout his career, Mr. Sinkler has taught numerous science classes offered at the high school, ranging from Applied Biology, CP Biology, AP Biology, Forensics, Zoology, and even Honors Anatomy and Physiology.

One of Mr. Sinkler’s most memorable moments during his tenure at Southern Lehigh is a time he reprimanded a freshman who then turned himself around to become a pre-med student.

“I remember having a discussion with some ninth graders who were acting up, and I sat them down and told them that they are going to have to decide what they want to do with their life. They might be your friends now but they’re not going to help you when you’re failing somewhere,” he said, “and then one of them turned around and became a pre-med student… that was probably one of my success stories.”

This story has stuck with Mr. Sinkler throughout his years teaching because it reminds him of the difference he gets to make everyday being a teacher. This is one aspect of the job he will miss the most.

Another aspect Mr. Sinkler will miss most about teaching is interacting with his students.

“When you see that ‘light bulb’ go on, you know that is the reason why you teach,” he said. “We certainly don’t teach for the discipline, that’s for sure. We do it to help students.”

After retirement, Mr. Sinkler looks forward to abandoning the bell schedule for good and being able to do whatever he wants.

“I am going to follow in the words of Mr. [James] Walker, who was a physics teacher here. When he was interviewed before he retired, he said [he would do] ‘whatever I feel like when I get up in the morning.’” Mr. Sinkler said. “So that’s going to be my goal at this point. After that I’m not sure… a lot more bird watching.”

Mr. Sinkler wants to be remembered as a teacher who is tough, but also fair. He understands that his classes can be difficult, especially AP Biology, so he offers test corrections. Mr. Sinkler likes to challenge his students, but he simultaneously wants to be there to support his students.

“I want to push students to be able to reach towards their potential,” he said.

To his students, Mr. Sinkler leaves one last piece of advice:

“Push yourself, always be curious, and ask questions.”

About the Contributor

Nicole Zweifel, Staff Reporter

Throughout her last four years at Southern Lehigh, senior Nicole Zweifel has played a vital role in Southern Lehigh’s three publications. She served for two years as co-president of the Art and Literary Club which produces the annual Art and Literary Magazine, collaborated as a member of the Solehian yearbook staff, and reported for the Spotlight student newspaper during her senior year. “In our publications, we’re always working toward an end goal, and it was cool being able to see the end product of all the work we put into writing, reporting, editing, and making pages,” Zweifel said. In fact, of all the teachers that Nicole has had in high school, there was one in particular that left the strongest impression: Mrs. Sheryl Ciotti, who served as the advisor for the Art and Lit Magazine. “Mrs. Ciotti has been a teacher in all aspects of my life,” Zweifel said. “She has always been very encouraging to me, and I made great memories with her through Art and Lit.” Naturally, Nicole’s favorite article to write for the Spotlight this year was “Farewell to Mrs. Ciotti, hello to Mrs. Fox,” which commemorated Mrs. Sheryl Ciotti’s time at Southern Lehigh High School before transferring to the district’s middle school, and introduced Mrs. Ella Fox as the high school’s newest English teacher. Additionally, Nicole’s step-sister, who works as an environmental lawyer, has served as an irreplaceable role model in Nicole’s life by being supportive and influencing Nicole to have a strong work ethic. As she reflects on the last four years, Zweifel notes that some of her favorite high school memories include attending pep rallies and Art and Literary Club Coffee Houses. “These were really fun experiences where we got to rally around each other as a community and see people’s talents shine in a supportive environment,” Zweifel said. After graduating, Zweifel plans to attend Northampton Community College and then continue her education at a university to study psychology with a focus on rehabilitation and human services. She found that after taking psychology in her junior year with social studies teacher Mr. Troy Ruch, she enjoyed learning about the brain and the complexities of human interactions. “I think a career in which I am able to help other people would be very fulfilling,” Zweifel said. Nicole dreams of going on a missionary experience with her church while traveling the world. She has also expressed interest in writing a book. “I just want to help others and serve my community,” she said. To underclassmen, Nicole leaves one last piece of advice. “Keep trying and never give up, because giving up will get you nowhere in life, and trying will at least get you somewhere.”

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Farewell to science teacher, Mr. Sinkler