A teacher can be textbook defined as simply an educator, but students know that teachers can be so much more than just instructors. One student, college freshman and CPHS graduate Gabe Haro, notices these exceptional traits in Mr. Maduneme, a man originally from Nigeria who has been teaching at CPHS for approximately 16 years.

“I owe my inspiration to better myself in the interest of bettering the lives of others to [Mr. Madu],” Haro said. “In a drafting and design course freshman year, he gently pushed me towards competition, in a lesson about taking advantage of potential and opportunity.”

Despite Haro’s flattering words, Maduneme claims that he is not set apart from the norm.

“It’s not like that,” Maduneme said. “There are a lot [of] good things happening [at] our Cedar Park High School every day.”

Although seemingly not fully accepting of Haro’s praise, he is pleased to be recognized for exceptional teaching.

“It’s thrilling,” Maduneme said. “You never know what impact you are making on students until they graduate.”

According to Maduneme, one of the most important aspects of his job is the effect he has on his students.

“I wish for all students to be successful [through] collaboration, flexibility, and choice,” Maduneme said. “Once you get students to feel comfortable and safe, learning we will ensue.”

While it is apparent through his praise that Haro recognizes Mr. Maduneme for his teaching, Mr. Maduneme also recognizes Haro for his excelling as a student.

“Gabe Haro is an embodiment of Leander ISD graduate profile with high ethical values,” Maduneme said. “He is driven to pursue whatever interests him, and after he took Principles of Engineering, he got hooked in robotics and never looked back.”