Just like many other new staff members, Emily Gerak has begun to teach at Lakeview High School this year. She is serving her very first school year here as Lakeview’s choir director, and thus far, it appears to be going well for her.

Gerak claims, “I think the school year is going very well so far. All of the students have very nice voices and I am excited to see what we will be able to accomplish!”

Before teaching here, this new teacher was the Howland Middle School Choir Teacher. Gerak has never had a teaching experience at Lakeview before, but this fact has done nothing to hold her back. Diving back even further, she attended Poland Seminary High School and went on to the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University for college.

A 9th grade student of Gerak’s, Sydney Persino, commented on her thoughts about her. She recalls her first day as she tells me, “I was not sure where I was supposed to go, but she was very helpful as soon as I asked her.” 

Persino as well as other kids find Gerak to be very kind and helpful. She is very passionate about music and enjoys inspiring kids and getting them interested in music as well. It does appear that she demonstrates this in her demeanor and in her attitude through accounts from her students and herself. The other kids, for example, Merrick Hultz in 9th grade, have something similar to say. 

Hultz mentions, “I only took this class for the art requirement, however, I have come to enjoy it. The songs that she picks are entertaining and fun to sing as well.”

After asking Gerak a few other questions, it is clear to see that her intentions are for nothing but the best. 

A response of hers was, “I love the environment here at Lakeview. Both teachers and students have been very positive and have made it a joy to come to work each day” when I asked her how she felt about the environment and the people she is surrounded with in this school. 

“My goals as a new teacher here would be to help our choral program expand as the years go on. I want to make the choir classroom a fun place to not only foster great vocalists but to expand musical knowledge as well,” is what she said when I inquired about her goals for her newfound position. 

This statement on Gerak’s plans for the future only strengthens the idea that she is a positive asset to the choir program and to our school as well. She expresses her passion for wanting her students to thrive, which is an important quality that is vital to being a member of the staff at Lakeview High School. Aside from her plans for the future, she has already begun to do important things here. At our homecoming game, she organized the singing of the national anthem once again by our very own choir. She serves as a great contribution to Lakeview’s staff. Additionally, her students have even given account of Gerak’s amazing ability. She is truly flourishing and proving herself at this school, and we wish for a great and accomplished remainder of the school year for Gerak and the students who trust her with their musical education!