Walking toward the familiar maroon brick building, history teacher Dr. Stephanie Garrett smiles and waves at her former students as she enters the doors with a decade of teaching experience under her belt.

“We (the school) can always improve test scores and athletic records, but the greatest improvement should be within ourselves to be better people and better contributors to society,” she said.

Garrett has been teaching at the school since it has first opened.

“Timberview has the best students academically, athletically and artistically,” she said. “These characteristics have consistently improved over the years.”

The change in technology has allowed the school to surpass other districts, Garrett said.

“The ease of access makes research easy,” she said. “I can contact the entire class using Edmodo which makes communication a lot easier.”

The demographics have remained constant.

“There is a nice mix of cultures and ethnicities that give the school a well-rounded atmosphere,” Garrett said.

One of her toughest teaching moments included students Kim Pimentel, Carlos Marquez and Offensive Coordinator Cody McCarty’s deaths, she said

“It was terrible since the incidents were back to back, but the level of maturity and compassion shown by a bunch of 14 and 18-year olds was amazing to watch,” she said.

She said she loves how much compassion the students have, especially during the traditional Hog Week.

“It’s awesome to see teenagers come together and do something so significant for a child they do not know,” she said. “It started out small and has grown into an integral part of Timberview that other school(s) imitate.”

The students have remained the same, she said.

“They are funny, smart and creative,” she said. “The faces change but the kids stay the same.”

Despite working at the school for 10 years, Garret said she still enjoys her career.

“I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else,” she said. “I love history. I love kids. It is a passion, not a job.”