Brittney Maroon – PCHS Bulletin
Within Parrish Community High School, there was Christina Irby, a much-loved IND teacher, whose empathy knew no bounds. Since the school's founding, she has been a source of hope for students dealing with intellectual difficulties, establishing a welcoming environment.
Irby's classroom developed into an environment where all students, regardless of ability, could find comfort and support. The atmosphere was created by Irby's genuine kindness and patience, which gave her students a sense of community and gave them confidence in their own abilities.
Every day, Irby went above and beyond to make sure her kids got the individualized attention they needed. This was most inspirational to her. She addressed her work with incomparable passion, helping students with everything from academic responsibilities to emotional support. Her dedication went beyond the classroom; she worked closely with parents and other educators to create individualized strategies that enabled each student to reach their greatest potential.
For Irby, teaching was more than a profession. Witnessing her student's progress brought her pure joy. Friend and colleague Adriana Hernandez Gore reflects on her friendship with Irby and describes how passionate she was about working in Exceptional Student Education (ESE).
Her perseverance was contagious, inspiring not only her students but also her colleagues, who admired her immense efforts to help everyone she taught. Fellow teacher, Alison Depatie, states “Mrs. Irby was an amazing woman!... I will miss her dearly and wish her well."
As Irby is heading towards retirement, she plans to spend time with family in Tennessee. Her legacy at Parrish Community High School will always be remembered in the hearts of all who knew her. Her impact on the lives of her students and the entire school community was unlike any other.
