Editor’s Note: This article was also published in the Benet Herald 2024 Graduation Edition.

After 24 years of dedication to Benet, Ms. Byers is retiring at the end of this school year. Throughout her impactful 24 years at Benet teaching Math, Ms. Byers has been a role model of the Benedictine ways. When asked about her legacy and the impact she hopes to leave, Ms. Byers stated, “I hope the students remember to have a good work ethic and desire to solve problems. Hopefully, enough students are coming away with the satisfaction of struggling and getting the result you have with a problem. I hope I taught them basic critical thinking skills they can apply to real-life situations.”

After graduating from Purdue University with a BA in Mathematics and a BA in Russian, Ms. Byers worked at a school in Indiana. She eventually left that school and worked for three years in college admissions at Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, before she decided to return to teaching. Ms. Byers joined the faculty of Benet in 2000. In 2009, Ms. Byers got her MA in Mathematics from Depaul. When asked why she wanted to be a teacher, Ms. Byers said, “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I love school and learning. My decision was solidified in high school because I loved not only the learning aspect of school but also the social aspect.”

Her mentor was her high school geometry/calculus teacher, Nick Morgan. She stated that Mr. Morgan really helped her affirm she wanted to be a teacher. Ms. Byers will leave a lasting impression on Benet, and Benet will always be in her heart. “The friends I made here are like my family away from home. I have many memories of students and classes throughout the years. One of my favorite memories was being in charge of outreach for 15 years.” Thank you, Ms. Byers, for your constant dedication to Benet. We hope retirement treats you well!