One Bibb County teacher goes above and beyond the call of duty by taking on 190 cadets by himself. That's why Westside High School students say he's the best.
"Usually I have a lot to say but I'm floored I don't know what to say except thank you very much this is incredible." says Major Kevin Gunerman.
Gunerman has been at Westside High for six years but says he doesn't consider himself a special teacher. He says, "I'm a guy in a uniform that used to fly jets and I share my experiences."
Chalil Hollingshed, a junior in Major Gunerman's class, says he wasn't always motivated but his JROTC teacher changed him.
"You can't lead if you're in trouble all the time so I'm a leader that's what I need to do lead the way for underclassman." says Hollingshed.
Senior Alexandra Finney says her teacher strives for the best in his students. "We work together because we can't do this by ourselves we have to do it as one especially when we have a team member missing." says Finney.
The other JROTC instructor, Senior Master Sergeant Martin, was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of the school year and took a leave of absence.
Major Gunerman says he's taking on the extra responsibility for his students. "It requires longer days, requires a different pace for myself requires some different strategies nothings impossible it's just challenges."says Gunerman.
Tyriece Jean-Baptiste, a sophomore at Westside, says he looks up to Major Gunerman. "He's working hard to give us the best of the best." says Jean-Baptiste.
"He says I believe in you i'll help you if you need this help i'm not going to let you struggle."says Finney. She says his teaching style is direct and you won't leave his class with questions.
"I show them where the information is I lead them to a certain point and then they have to take over." says Gunerman.
His students says they've learned a lot from their teacher.
"He's an extremely hard-working man." says Hollingshed.
Jean-Baptiste explains, "He does what he has to, to help the kids out."
Finney says her instructor teaches, "You don't have to be like the other kids you don't have to act like a maniac you can be different."
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