Ms. Malmquist is a treasure here at Kearsley High School. Although she is newer to our district, she has 20 years of experience and is someone we never want to lose. What sets her apart from others is the deep connections she forms with her students. Her enthusiasm for teaching and her genuine care for her students has made such a significant impact in the short amount of time she has been here. Her background is rich with educational experience and her passions make her relatable and easy to talk to. Ms. Malmquist is not shy to tell each and every one of her students about the things she loves most, her pets and grandkids and her students. 

Every student who has taken a class from Malmquist knows all about her dog, Loki, and her treasured grandbabies. Malmquist treats her dog like her child. He is a well spoiled Australian Shepherd who is about to turn 9 years old. Loki is extremely important to Malmquist and she never fails to make him happy.

“No matter what, I walk my dog every single day,” Malmquist explained. “No matter the weather is outside. It could be snowing, raining, freezing, or extremely hot and humid, I will still be walking Loki.” 

Malmquist’s love for her pets doesn’t just stop at her dog, but she also has a cat, Milo, a gray domestic longhair. Over Labor day weekend, Milo got extremely sick and Malmquist spent about $3,000 to keep him in the pet hospital and nurse him back to health. This is just more proof of Malmquist’s deep love and passion for her pets.  

Every one of Malmquist’s students knows about her pets, and she asks students about theirs, proving that she has a way of forming connections with her students. She knows exactly how to make her students feel comfortable with her, she feels like a friend or a mom rather than a teacher. 

Ms. Malmquist also never fails to tell her students about her greatest accomplishment, her children. Malmquist began her life in Brighton, Michigan where she attended all of her years of school, kindergarten through high school.  She didn’t always plan on being a teacher, she was more interested in becoming a lawyer. What changed her career path was her biggest dream of all, becoming a mom. She felt that being a lawyer was a much more demanding job, and teaching still allowed her to use her voice and help others while allowing her to be there for her children. Malmquist has 2 kids, Samantha and Allison.

“Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher or a lawyer, but I wanted to be a mom more than anything,” Malmquist expressed. “I went with being a teacher and I love it. I love making an impact in students’ lives and encouraging them to become the greatest they can be. I ultimately made the right decision, because my kids, both at home and at school, are my greatest accomplishment.  I absolutely love keeping up with them after high school too.”

Along with 2 kids, Ms. Malmquist also has 2 precious grandkids, Luke who is 1 and a half and Ella who is 9 months old. She cares so deeply for her grandchildren and she is always striving to help watch them, play with them , or  even just keep her children company as being a parent can be extremely difficult and demanding. Lucky for Malmquist’s kids, she is always there for them, whether they need a break or just need a shoulder to rest on. Malmquist is a prime example of a loving and supportive mother and that carries over to her students.

Ms. Malmquist acts as a motherly figure here at Kearsley high school. She provides a safe atmosphere in her classroom, allowing her students to feel comfortable and supported. She is always giving students reassurance and pushing them to become better versions of themselves. Many students even spend most of their time in her classroom because of the safe environment she has built. You will often find students hanging out in her room during passing time or breaks they have in the day. 

“I always hang out in Ms. Malmquist’s room because she has such a caring environment,” Josey Janiga, a senior at Kearsley High school, shared. “Ever since I first met her, she has always been the sweetest girl and I feel like I can always trust her and I feel very safe around her.” 

Ms. Malmquist is truly loved by every student here at Kearsley High School. Her passion for teaching is so prominent and her love for her students makes her nothing short of the best. Taking a class taught by Ms. Malmquist is an honor and a joy as each student gets to experience her passion and true support that she gives. Overall, Malmquist is a treasure and truly an amazing person, mother, and teacher.