One of the things about my job as a teacher at Waco High School that I really love, is that I get to keep the same students for their entire time they are in high school. This means I really get to know them, watch them grow and learn. And I also share in the struggles they deal with.

This is one of the reason’s Tonsie became so special as a student. I had the opportunity of walking with her through some of the hardest days of her life, after she lost her Granny in the summer of 2023. Her Granny was actually raising her when she suddenly died. It was a shock to the entire family, and really hit Tonsie hard. The Bible says, weep with those who weep, and we wept a lot during that time.

But we also laughed a lot as well. When she would come through the door every morning, I would say, “Tonsie, Tonsie, Tonsie!” She knew it was my special name for her. There were even times I would tell her, “Tonsie, you are my favorite student.”

She would say, “Mr. Hammons, be quiet. You’re not supposed to have favorites.”

“Well, I guess I’m breaking the rules.”

Whenever another student heard me say that, they would say: “I thought I was your favorite.” To which I was read: “No, you’re the one I like the most!”

One of the other areas that she showed maturity was the fact that she learned not to get caught up in all the high-school drama that goes on between students. She would remember that she didn’t have to be a part of it, and wouldn’t get involved. In a class like mine, this was huge. Drama is always waiting around the corner to disrupt things, and the more students I could teach to avoid it, the better.

Needless to say, I’m proud of Tonsie for her accomplishments. She is growing into a fine young woman.

The following is my gift to her. This will probably be my longest post ever, for below, I have pictures going all the way back to her sophomore year, when she first came to my class.

Here she is with her Auntie Shawtay.

Tra’Paul and Tonsie went to the senior prom together.

On one of our many field trips. We were intending to go to the zoo that day, but it rained, so we went to Bitty & Beau’s for drinks and pastries.

When we finally did make it to the zoo.

Getting ready for her senior picture.

Tra’Paul made a big poster inviting her to the senior prom.

This was at Magnolia. Many drive many miles to visit Magnolia. We took the city bus and had a blast.

Three of my five graduates this year: Jorge, Isaiah, and Tonsie.

Our first field trip back in January 2023. We went to Kristi’s Burgers on the east side of town, and then to a museum.

Ms. Griffin and Tonsie.

We were on a long walk through downtown, headed to our first trip to Bitty N’ Beaus. This is Tonsie with classmate and friend Antianna.

Same trip.

One of the few pictures I have of Anthony (Class of 2024) and Tonsie together. He was one of the original students when I took over the class in in the fall of 2022, with Tonsie, and others.

Pig-Out Day! We took a trip to Golden Corral. No one came away hungry!!!

This is the first of two pictures that hit me emotionally. These five, without Antianna, were all in my original class. They’ve all graduated. Yes, I miss them all. From left to right: Anthony (’24), Fidencio (’23), Jorge (’25), Miranda (’24), and Tonsie below.

This is the second group picture that reminded me of all who have graduated. Tra’Paul (’25) is added, Antianna and Anthony are missing.

Another one…

At the Mayborn Museum.

We decided to walk over to Dairy Queen for some ice cream.

Taken from our wall project, which was to paint as much of the walls as we could, since they were all white, cinder block walls. We did what we could to brighten up the room since it had no windows.

All photos are copyright © Timothy J. Hammons, 2025.