Tributes to Ali Pearson

“From the moment I met her, she made me feel included and cared for. Her smile, her wave, and her heartfelt hello brought comfort to everyone. She was the first person who made the Academy Building feel like a place I truly belonged.”

- Keishla Lopez, Colleague

“I remember one day in 5th grade, I may have given Mrs. Pearson some attitude 

in math class. She got so mad at me for that, but luckily, it was on a day where she had lost her voice so she couldn’t yell at me. I could tell that she wanted to very badly, but instead she gave me a very firm and raspy talking to, telling me how I was lucky that she didn’t have her voice. I would like to take the time to apologize for showing her attitude all those years ago and to say that she was a teacher I deeply respected, and that I cherished every class I had with her. I’m graduating this year, and I really wish she could be there for it, but I hope she knew just how big of a part she played in getting me to where I am now.”

- Emmet Gleeson, Student

“Ali was a kindred spirit whose warmth, humor, and genuine care touched my life in countless ways. Our shared love of the arts, folk music, punk rock, and especially the music band the "The Pogues" created a special bond when we first met and I will cherish those memories forever. Her witty, uniquely British humor never failed to bring a smile to my face and made every moment with her truly memorable. She always looked out for me with heartfelt kindness and found creative, thoughtful ways to connect and support me. Her passion, intelligence, & compassion left an indelible mark on my heart. I am endlessly grateful for the bond we shared, and her spirit—full of rebellious energy and heartfelt love—will forever inspire and resonate within me.”

-Sarah Thompson, Colleague

“Ali was one of my first friends when I started at 2nd Nature Academy. She was always kind and ready to help whenever I needed a listening ear. She had such a calm presence that immediately made me feel welcomed and understood.”

-Ariana Hernandez, Colleague

“Mrs. Pearson is like a therapist, helping you see the truth with the hope in your heart.”

-Nini Wu, Colleague

“Mrs. Pearson was a truly kind soul who went out of her way to help our students. She went above and beyond to make sure every student succeeded. During my first year teaching last year, she was always someone I could depend upon for help, advice, or a good laugh.”

-Narissa Hill, Colleague

“Mrs. Pearson was fiercely loyal and protective, but she also had no problem standing her ground and disagreeing when necessary. She had the best sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to throw a well timed zinger at anyone, students and colleagues alike. I will be forever grateful for her unwavering support and allyship. I am blessed to have known her and eternally grateful to call her a friend. What I wouldn't give to see her "ruck up" to school or a dance in one of her "frocks" and "sit and have a chat" with her one more time (minus the tea, this is one thing she and I will never agree on. Tea. Hot brown trash water. Blech). My heart is equal parts full from loving her and broken from losing her.”

-Kaitlin Quinn-Stearns, Colleague

“Mrs. Pearson was truly one of the coolest and most memorable teachers I have ever met, someone whose warmth and humor reached far beyond the classroom.”

-Vivian Madigan, Student

“Mrs. Pearson was one of the best teachers I’ve had in my school career. She will forever be someone who inspired me and helped me throughout my formative years. She will forever be in my heart.”

-Braela Stearns, Student

“I always appreciated how Mrs. Pearson interacted with others. Whether a colleague or a student, she remained honest and straightforward, but never with an intent to harm and hardly ever without humour (British "u" intended). Mrs. Pearson embodied the idea that the truth is powerful, and it can almost always be kind. I think we can all benefit in school, work, friendships, and family if we take a page out of Mrs. Pearson's book!”

-Kerry Gleeson, Colleague

"Being from the UK, Ali was often amused by my obsession with The Great British Baking Show. Quite frequently, she would teach me the meanings of words commonly used in British English, but not in American English. I grew to love words like "faff," "fiddly," "stodgy," "gutted," and "soggy bottom." Every time I use these words, I think of her.”

-Bernadette Chiccino, Colleague

“Mrs. Pearson was a force of nature! She held all of her students to the highest standards because she genuinely saw the potential within each and every one of her students, a belief that often pushed them to exceed even their own expectations. I will never forget her quick wit and perfectly timed zingers. Mrs. Pearson's humor often lightened the toughest days and created a classroom (and work) environment that was challenging yet warm. Mrs. Pearson didn't just teach subjects; she taught us--students and teachers alike--our own worth and capability. Her legacy is found in the confidence she instilled in not only generations of students, but also in her friends and colleagues.”

-Meghan Ayer, Colleague

“Mrs. Pearson always knew what the next step was for us to take when we were working on projects, and she always knew how to add depth to any of our conversations. Throughout my time as a student, she was always ready to share her wisdom with us.”

-Angus McGranahan, Student

“Even though she has passed, the memories she made with me and everyone else are endless, and I hold onto those. Since the day I came to this school, Mrs. Pearson has been one of the teachers who has inspired me to keep going and never give up on my dreams.”

-Kendall Brown, Student

“It was a pleasure to share the teaching life with another European. Ali made me feel at home, sharing some of our childhood memories: TV shows, bands… She taught me what she called "proper English." From her, I learned  (proper English ; ) seeing through others' eyes. She was compassionate and always willing to listen.”

-Mariona Oca Jordan, Colleague

“Mrs. Pearson was one of a kind.  I will never forget her smile, humor, energy, love of adventure, and her unwavering dedication to her students. She was one of the most kind, self-less individuals I’ve ever met, supporting me during a time when I needed it most.  She had great taste in music and a quick hand at ping-pong. I will always cherish our fun times together in the GSA club, especially our “road trips.” She played such an integral role in the club’s creation, and I will forever be grateful.”

-Courtney Mehurg, Colleague

“Ali is the type of person who makes you feel like you’ve known her for way longer than you have. I only knew her for a year, yet from the first conversation I had with her, it felt like we had been friends for years. She was an amazing influence on everyone around her. She was always willing to go out of her way to help others, not expecting anything in return.”

-Megan Sweeney, Colleague

“Mrs. Pearson was one of the first teachers I met when I started to go to school here. Even though I had no idea what it was like to be at school, she made my transition from homeschooling to here almost effortless. I loved her personality and humor and she was always willing to help me in any class and help me get caught up if I missed anything. Lastly, she was just a very fun person, and my whole family always appreciated the amount of effort she put into helping out the school. She will always be one of the best teachers I've had in my life, and I will always be grateful I had her as a teacher for as long as I did.”

-Zia Gould, Colleague