A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Cyndee Tokash

cyndee-tokashWhen it comes to living life to the fullest, this week's Portage Life in the Spotlight, Cyndee Tokash, is not one to shy away from the task.

Portage High School English teacher Tokash often spends her time setting goals for herself.

"When you have a goal, you're able to get there," Tokash said. "I believe in setting goals, and working hard to achieve those goals. I set goals all the time, and I encourage my students to do so."

One of Tokash's most recent objectives was completed on October 12 of this year, when she ran and finished the Chicago Marathon.

A long distance runner, her first marathon was inspired by a woman Tokash knew with lupus who raised money for her cause by running the marathon, refusing to let her disease stop her from living life. In response, Tokash ran for Opportunity Enterprises and a specific student of hers that the company sponsors.

"He was my inspiration," Tokash said. "I wore his picture on my back as I ran. He is the one that really made me want to go and do and give back."

She next wants to participate in a triathlon.

To give her body a break, Tokash enjoys sewing, crocheting and quilting. In true English teacher style, she also reads.

"Reading is a passion of mine," Tokash said. "I enjoy literature, I enjoy books of all kinds, and I have a stack of about 37 of them line up right next to my bed stand."

Tokash has helped spread her love of reading to Portage students for the past four years, three of which were spent at the high school while one was at Willowcreek Middle School.

She believes Portage Township Schools provide sporting, arts and academic opportunities she has not seen in other districts. Their administrative team and faculty also give students the chance to grow in a safe learning environment.

According to Tokash, Jen Sass has helped make this happen at the high school level.

"Everyone has their roles and they're fulfilling their roles – going beyond – in order to make sure this school is successful and safe and a great place to be," Tokash said.

To do her part, Tokash works to bring enthusiasm and creativity to the classroom so that students are able to learn in a way that is best for them.

"When I talk to students and they tell me even the smallest of victories, it just makes me feel so very happy, and it is these things we need to celebrate, and I love to celebrate the little things for the students and with my students," Tokash said.

Her passion for her subject is evident in the time and effort she puts into her work. Tokash wishes that energy to be reflected back in her students.

"I want this to be a place where all people are accepted, different views are debated with friendly discourse where people can grow and learn and become they're meant to be, again, in a safe, welcoming, accepting environment," Tokash said.

Tokash often takes on other roles in her classroom, as well.

She is always willing to offer compassion or a listening ear to those who may need it. Because she enjoys this aspect of her job so much, Tokash says she would like to take her ability to the next level and become a homeschool coordinator. Her five-year plan includes earning a Master's degree in social work.

In her personal life, Tokash is still a big supporter of education. Come June, both of Tokash's daughters will have graduated high school at 17, a fact of which she is very proud.