Kadence L.
“Mrs. Marks, also known as Momma Marks, wasn’t just a teacher, she was a mentor and a second mom to so many of us. She taught us real-life skills like how to write a résumé, practice for job interviews, and even how to manage banking and credit cards. She explained how to build and protect our credit scores and gave us the tools to make smart financial choices as young adults. The résumé she helped me create in class was the very one I used to land my first job in the teaching field.
She never gave up on her students and always believed in us, even when we didn’t believe in ourselves. She had a way of making every lesson connect to real life, and that made learning meaningful. She was always there with guidance, encouragement, and answers to any question I had. Even on days when she wasn’t feeling her best, she never let us know and she still gave 100% to her students.
I will always be grateful for her impact on my life, and she continues to inspire me to be the kind of teacher and support system for kids that she was for me. Her influence didn’t stop when I graduated,her lessons still guide me today, and I still reach out to her for tips and advice, for both in my career and in my personal life.”
Brody H.
“I was blessed with Momma Marks as my DC Smart Start teacher in my junior year of high school. Sure, she taught me wonderful life skills which I still practice to this day, but the one lesson she taught me that I will never forget, is perseverance.
I met Momma Marks in the darkest point in my life, in which she asked me this question: “Are you done being Eeyore?” This was her special way of asking if I was done playing the negative victim in every situation. She taught me how to assess my life and make the best choice possible to benefit me. She taught me how to use my kindness to not only enhance other’s happiness, but my own. My personality became her favorite topic during our morning conversations to give me hope that I was worth something to someone.
Each day I carry around a planner with a note I cherish deeply written by Momma Marks on the inside cover. This note has become a part of my morning agenda and I can’t remember the last day I skipped reading it, because it reminds me that I have a purpose, and I have someone that is proud of where I stand today. I wear one thing everyday that she gave me that nobody can ever take away; my smile. Momma Marks is the reason for my happiness, the definition of my success, and my ability to help others. I LIVE today because she believed in me when very few did.
From inside to out, she is my empowerment.”
Connor P.
“Mrs. Marks has made such a strong and positive impact on my life. She continues to inspire and encourage me to do better and be better. Mrs. Marks is the type of friend who, if you need any type of help or advice she’s there for you. Need a shoulder to cry on? She’s there. Heck, she may even cry with you! She cares so deeply for everyone even if she has just met you! Mrs. Marks is an amazing teacher, friend, and human being. Mrs. Marks puts so much love and passion into everything she does. Even if she does not feel up to it mentally or physically she’s always been there for me and so many more and has shown so much continuous love!”
Jackson W.
"Mrs. Marks was easily one of my favorite teachers in high school. She encouraged me to break out of my comfort zone and helped me to find myself and who I wanted to be."
Trista D.
“Allison Marks has supported me in more ways than I can count, both during my time in school and after I graduated. She constantly encouraged me to keep moving forward and never give up. Whether it was a lighthearted conversation about school or a meaningful life discussion, she always listened with care and offered the best advice. She consistently advocated for me and all of her students, making each of us feel valued. Allison Marks is an extraordinary woman whose inspiration, compassion, and dedication have played a major role in shaping the person and teacher I am today”
Lindsey L.
“She always gave a helping hand and was there for everyone NO MATTER WHAT. School life, personal life, it didn’t matter, she was helping. Even after graduating, she helped me when applying for college and I couldn’t have been more grateful for her.”