Features

Taught to teach: A family tradition

Payton Robbins, Staff Writer

February 27, 2026

A photo of Ms. Turrill teaching

New English teacher Maddie Turrill has proven that she has more than it takes to be an educator and to continue the legacy down the family tree. Turrill’s dad was also a teacher and one of the reasons why she chose her career path in teaching.

“I got to see what the ins and outs were of teaching,” Turrill said.

Not only was Turrill’s dad a teacher, but her grandfather was as well. Along with her experience tutoring since she was in eighth grade, Turrill had many life experiences that led to her becoming a teacher.

So far, Turrill likes Farmington High School and enjoys the staff and their work ethic.

“We have a strong community with hard-working students and staff,” Turrill said.

Turrill feels her strengths as a teacher are connecting with students, being empathetic when needed, and being passionate about reading.

Turrill’s ideal day as a teacher is when she is teaching an engaging lesson, one in which the students have fun, without forgetting their education.

“I’m not here to entertain, I’m here to educate,” Turrill said.

Turrill currently teaches English 10, but wants to teach AP literature or a class involving murder mystery in the future.

Outside of school, Turrill’s hobbies include reading, drawing, painting, and running, including a marathon that she ran this October.

Staff Features

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About the Contributors

Payton Robbins, Staff Writer

Senior Payton Robbins joined The Wingspan after deciding writing the news is much more fun than just reading it. A creative writer at heart, Robbins is currently a feature-writing pro, though he’s actively manifesting a future in “silly editorials.” “I’d like to write an editorial about something small,” said Robbins. “Like about how the water bottle trend changes every year. Something stupid.” When Robbins isn’t rewatching Friends for the tenth time or locked into Stardew Valley, you can find him practicing saxophone and marching with the band. Robbins has never found a form of cardio he didn’t like, whether he is on bike, skates or his own two feet, and is a proud member of Farmington’s track and field team.

Jay O’Leary, Staff Writer

Jay O’Leary ‘27 signed up for journalism to try out a new elective, and enjoyed it so much he decided to stay and become part of The Wingspan’s staff. O’Leary prefers to write hard news stories, instead of entertainment articles. “I don’t like the embellishment of features, I want to report the facts,” O’Leary said. “ I think that the extra details take away from the message of the story. News stories are concise and are more effective at getting the point across.” O’Leary loves English, and writes in his free time. Outside of school, he can also be found listening to Kevin Atwater with his beloved cat named Bella.