Señora. Mercado Blackport has been a cherished Spanish teacher in our community ever since she started teaching for East in 2002. She is known for her engaging lessons, great energy, and her strong connections with her students. 

On September 13th, Mercado-Blackport left the classroom to undergo surgery in order to address a medical condition that has been affecting her for the past two years.

She had an unbalanced bone in the back of her neck, causing her a lot of nerve pain, and an inability for her to write. The surgery, which was a success, required an extended recovery period, and she has been on medical leave ever since. 

Even though she has always tried her best to help all of her students and overcome her pain, it became very difficult for her to perform her job in the classroom that she has always been used to. 

Directly after she left, her students organized a card-making campaign, filling dozens of cards with messages of positive encouragement. The students hope this represented their appreciation for her, while also giving her a more positive outlook on her surgery. 

“She brought a lot of energy into the classroom, it’s definitely much different without her being here,” Victoria Blackport ‘26, her daughter, said. 

Without Mercado-Blackport in the classroom, it has definitely been much different for all of her students, including her daughter. The students have been able to adapt well but admit that the classroom is not quite the same without her there. Her expertise and ability to make learning enjoyable are greatly missed. 

“We miss Señora very much, I hope she comes back soon. Things are not the same without her” Maya Reed ‘26 said.

On a positive note, the new long-term substitute in the classroom, Ms. Young has been keeping the Spanish students on track. Ms. Young has her own previous education in Spanish, graduating with a bachelors in K-12 Spanish education. After spending her time through Spanish immersion, this has given her even more experience with the language. 

Ms. Young has been subbing for all three of Mercado-Blackport’s classes, including, AP Spanish, IB/SL Spanish and Spanish 5 Honors. 

Even though Ms. Young has been present, Blackport’s positive attitude and great energy has been strongly missed. 

“I’m focusing on getting healthy and looking forward to returning to work once my doctor gives me the green light,” Mercado-Blackport adds, “I miss being with my students and everyone else at work.” 

Her recovery has been progressing well, as she is expected to return back to the classroom in late November, just in time for the end of the semester. It will be a relief to both her and her students when she returns back to the classroom. 

Mercado-Blackport has remained in high-spirits, looking forward to continuing her role as a cherished Spanish teacher at the high school. Her return is sure to be a joyful moment for the entire community, as we are all looking forward to seeing her back at EGRHS, happy, healthy, and excited to teach again.