Hundreds turn out to support Jackson teacher dealing with cancer

Going through cancer treatment has its highs and lows. Wednesday, Sharlett Eftink had one of her highs.

"This is what matters more than everything we teach," said Eftink, the communication arts teacher at Jackson Junior High School.

A sea of students, peppered with some wearing the royal blue T-shirts created in Eftink's honor, walked the block around nearby West Lane Elementary. The school held the event to rally behind the teacher who was diagnosed with colon cancer near the beginning of the school year.

She said their actions, giving support to a friend in need, showed how her lessons have gone beyond the classroom.

"What they did today is the real messages of life," said Eftink, a teacher with the district for 14 years.

Staff planned the event and sold T-shirts to raise money for medical expenses. Next week, Eftink will travel to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for liver surgery.

By Wednesday afternoon, faculty raised $3,090 and other fundraisers are in the works, said Carrie Lattimer, one of the event organizers.

Jackson teacher Sharlett Eftink walks with hundreds friends, family and students who gathered to show their support Wednesday as she battles cancer. (Fred Lynch)

"We're not done yet," said Lattimer, an administrative assistant at the school. "Not at all."

Eftink said she will have more surgeries during the summer but hopes to be back in the classroom in the fall "for a normal year."

When principal Cory Crosnoe found out Eftink would not return to the classroom because of her treatments, he and his staff made the rounds to her students.

"The shock on their faces... was incredible," he said. "You could hear a pin drop."

Counselors and the school social worker talked with students. Other schools offered to send counselors to help.

"There were some kids that had to be talked to a number of times," he said.

Through her work with parents and in the community, Eftink has developed a close bond with many people who are reaching out to support her.

"People just remember her and how wonderful she is," Crosnoe said.

Eftink led the afternoon walk, held around 1 p.m. during the school's advisory period. The crowd, which included more than 700 students and Eftink's 11 siblings, stretched the length of the block.

"She's like the nicest teacher there," said Bethany Eudy, an eighth-grade student.

Students and staff alike reflected on her positive attitude throughout her treatment. Cheryl Petzoldt said she was upset by the news of the cancer because Eftink is a strong and positive person.

"You wouldn't expect it to happen to her," said Petzoldt, a ninth-grade student.

She said Eftink had an influence on her during summer school last year and offers support to all students.

"Even if you don't have her as a teacher, you get to know her," she said.

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Pertinent address:

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