When Jill Pence first entered the brand-new Richmond High School (RHS) in 1985, she could never have imagined that 40 years later, she would still be influencing young minds. As a passionate educator, Pence has dedicated decades to guiding students through the complexities of literature, writing and personal growth. Now, she reflects on a career filled with challenges, triumphs and countless meaningful connections as she contemplates retirement in the future. “I was drawn to teaching because I had two fantastic high school English teachers and I really enjoyed reading great literature and writing,” said Pence. “I just continued pursuing what I enjoy doing.” Over the years, Pence has witnessed considerable transformations in the education field, particularly with the growing integration of technology in classrooms. This technological advancement has changed the dynamics of teaching and learning, providing new tools and resources for both educators and students. However, despite…