Healthy Appreciation: Honoring Educators Who Make a Difference

By Queen City Orthodontics
updated on August 20, 2024
A dentist shows a young girl how to brush teeth using a model, as an adult and another dental professional stand in the background. The girl is seated in a dental chair wearing a bib.

Table of Contents

We all have fond memories of those special teachers who made a difference in our lives. 

To honor and thank an outstanding educator in our communities, we asked our patients, their friends, and their families, to reflect on the educators who have made an impression on their lives and the lives of others.  Not only did we receive 57 entries, but we also received some wonderful photos of these amazing educators in action.

On May 12th, we honored the deserving winner, Mrs. Crystal VonBargen of Fairfield North Elementary, with a pizza party for her class and a $100 Visa gift card.  Mrs. VonBargen received no less than six nominations for her unique approach to 4th grade education.  When asked, her students said they love Mrs. VonBargen because:

“Mrs. VonBargen loves kids and cares for everyone.”

“She never lets us say easy or hard.  She teaches us so so much.  She is the best.”

“When I’m sad, she makes me happy and makes me smile.”

“She never lets me give up on myself.”

“She loves us like we are her kids.”

Mrs. VonBargen told us about how she came to teaching and shared some of the ways she has learned to make meaningful connections with students.  Crystal grew up in Brookville, Indiana, until 8th grade, when her family moved to Fairfield, Ohio.  Due to her love of history as a young girl, Crystal wanted to be an archeologist but soon realized she could explore that interest in the classroom.  She decided to become a teacher after an experience she had in 4th grade, when she was a struggling student due to her “quiet and shy” demeanor.  Crystal’s teacher, “who was amazing,” patiently worked with her on math — a difficult subject that she detested. 

“I know how it feels to be that child who wants to do well and has no idea how to do it,” Mrs. VonBargen said.

Her own experience influences her approach in the classroom, which she introduces on day one of each school year: students are not allowed to say they think something is difficult or easy.  “If one student is struggling with division and another thinks it is easy and says it is easy out loud, my struggling student will then feel defeated and feel like giving up.” 

Mrs. VonBargen promises her students from the start, “I will never give up on you, so you should never give up on you.  If you put your mind to it, you can do anything that you want to do. Just never give up on yourself.”

Our staff would like to personally thank every teacher in our communities for making a difference in the life of each and every student.  All of the nominated educators are doing important work shaping the young minds in our communities.  We look forward to hearing about more amazing teachers for next year’s Teacher Appreciation Contest.

A collage of students engaging in various classroom activities with a teacher. The center text reads: "We Love Mrs. VonBargen.
A collage of students engaging in various classroom activities with a teacher. The center text reads: “We Love Mrs. VonBargen.
Dr. Nicole Crasto, DDS, MS Avatar
Dr. Nicole Crasto, DDS, MS
Queen City Orthodontics
Dr. Nicole Crasto is a board-certified orthodontist at Queen City Orthodontics, dedicated to creating magical smiles for her patients. With a Bachelor of Science from the University of Dayton and a DDS from The Ohio State University, she further specialized in orthodontics at Seton Hill University. Dr. Crasto brings over a decade of experience and advanced training in the latest orthodontic techniques. Passionate about lifelong learning, she is committed to providing exceptional care and building meaningful relationships with her patients.
Dental Health Updates

Explore Dental Health Topics

Close-up of a person's mouth, showing metal braces on both the upper and lower teeth. The lips are parted, and the braces are secured with wire and brackets. Showing how affordable Braces Cost in Greensburg.

Braces Cost in Hamilton, OH

Looking for braces cost in Hamilton, OH? The cost of braces typically ranges from $3,000 to…

read more
Arrow gradient
Two smiling teenage girls with long hair, one with braces and blond hair, the other with curly brown hair, standing outdoors.

At What Age Should Children Get Braces?

Queen City Orthodontics is a magician, but there’s no sleight of hand in the answer…

read more
Arrow gradient
A dentist, wearing a mask and gloves, shows an X-ray to a smiling patient wearing a dental bib in a dental clinic.

Referral from Dentist to See Orthodontist

If you think you or your child needs braces, you may be surprised to learn…

read more
Arrow gradient