Esther Hendershot is the De Queen Jr. High “Teacher of the Year.” Esther is in her eighth year of teaching Spanish I to ninth through twelfth-grade students and her tenth year as an educator. Mrs. Hendershot came to De Queen in 2015 after teaching English for two years at Yerger Middle School in Hope.
“Once a Leopard, Always a Leopard” rings true for Esther since she is a 2006 graduate of De Queen High School. “I have enjoyed working with the students and teachers from each school and have learned so much from so many wonderful people,” said Mrs. Hendershot. When she speaks of the staff and students at DJHS, she talks about the influence and support they have offered over the years. She says, “It is always a blessing to observe my students being successful and productive citizens. It is also a great honor to help the Hispanic students with whom I greatly identify.”
In addition to her role as a teacher, Mrs. Hendershot is a wife, mother, and stepmother. She has two older stepchildren and two little girls. Mrs. Hendershot’s pastimes include spending time with her family, attending church, listening to podcasts and music, traveling, and exercising. “God has blessed me with great parents, siblings, a beautiful family, and a wonderful job,” Hendershot said. These blessings are what make Esther want to dedicate quality time to all those around her. “I am very grateful to have been selected as the Junior High Teacher of the year,” she expressed. “It means so much to me to have my colleagues recognize the work I do for our students.”
Junior High Principal Bill Huddleston stated, “Mrs. Esther is a wonderful teacher who puts others first and works tirelessly for the student's success. She is always a calming influence and greets her students each day with a smile on her face.”