Ms. Evelyn Avila is not just an ordinary Spanish teacher. She works very hard to keep students entertained.

“I would like to say that I try to make things fun when I am teaching. I like to throw my personality into whatever activity I am making so it’s enjoyable and students are not just sitting there taking notes,” said Avila.

Junior Kevin Curley agrees.

“We did so many fun activities and projects where you can really tell how much she cares about her students and trying to make sure they are not bored,” said Curley.

Avila cares deeply about her students.

“My favorite part about being a teacher is helping students achieve their goals, especially when they are struggling. I like to take time to help them by tutoring after school and trying to connect with my students,” said Avila.

Curley says, “I think she is super sweet and she’s really understanding. She really tries to get to know her students which I really appreciate. It made me feel more comfortable and helped me learn better.”

Avila began teaching at Marist in 2024.

 “I chose to teach at Marist because I knew I did not want to work at a public school, not that I have anything against public schools, but I just thought the community at a Catholic school would be so much better.”

Avila grew up not far from Marist.

“I am from Chicago, but my parents are from a city in Mexico. I went to Saint Xavier University to study teaching,” said Avila.

She now has a daughter, Mariana, 3.

“She is now starting new things like soccer and it is so sad to see her growing up so quickly,” said Avila.

That mothering instinct is not lost on her students.

“Ms. Avila was just so comforting to me and I felt like she was my mom but also my friend at the same time. She is one of the few teachers that I have genuinely felt comfortable fully talking to,” said junior Ava Panayotova.

Most of her experience is with underclassmen.

“I have not had much experience with teaching upperclassmen and right now I just teach freshmen and sophomores,” said Avila. 

Avila is happy that she chose Marist.

“I definitely think I made the right choice by choosing Marist. The coworkers are great and the students are amazing as well, and yeah I really love working here,” said Avila.