In Honor of Educators

Annually, we have a teacher's appreciation day when our local teachers are to be observed and recognized. I often think about my own teachers during the time when I attended school in past years. When looking back on my personal educational experiences, I am unable to forget all the great things educators personally did for me and others while matriculating through the Coweta County School System in Georgia . I am sure that most people must have some fond memories of their time spent in school . At least, I hope that individuals can reflect on at least one teacher, principal, custodian, bus driver, or coach who inspired or supported in your development. Indeed, I have many who have touched and impacted me in some small way or another. In most cases, the individual may not even know the influence or lesson that was taught along the way. I will share just a few memories of those who impacted me along the way.

In first grade, Eloise Thompson utilized math flashcards daily, but she also exercised just as much passion in her Sunday school lessons. It taught me early that educators are committed to working more than just at school and during school hours. During second grade, Ms. Gail Brown allowed our class to churn milk into butter and I learned firsthand how the pioneers conducted the process. It taught me that learning could be fun and exciting when every student is involved and the teacher conducts engaging lessons . In the third grade, second- year principal Alan Wood acted quickly and placed himself in the role of school nurse as he stopped the bleeding and tried to get the pencil lead out of my finger. He demonstrated to me that principals wear different hats and have to be flexible even if they are not trained medical professionals. Unfortunately, that lead is still stuck in my finger today, but I smile each time I look at my middle finger and think about the efforts he attempted that day . In fourth grade, Ms. Kay Wood welcomed a new student to Ruth Hill School and offered great comfort when a student was transitioning to a new environment when being the "new student" was a difficult thing. She always showed compassion and conducted a student store activity that allowed us to do math without even realizing it. In the fifth grade, my bus driver, Mr. Winkles, never hesitated to take that extra turn and go down a cul-de-sac whenever it was raining just to get us a little closer to home on the rainy afternoons. He showed us that even he could make a few adjustments to help someone out. In the sixth grade, Mrs. Freeman, the cafeteria manager, always reminded us a day in advance whenever she was going to serve pancakes for breakfast. If you were polite and demonstrated manners, you could get an extra pancake or two as a sixth grader. She taught us that good manners can take you far in life if you know how to use it. Ms. Amy Thompson encouraged a shy junior high student to compete in the free throw contest although I was not a basketball player at heart. To my surprise, I even won a couple of rounds. In the eighth grade, a young social studies teacher by the name of Blake Bass always conducted notebook checks. He never failed to check our notebooks but he also never allowed us to fail. He taught us about organization at a time when many of us were very disorganized. In ninth grade at Central High School, we had a paraprofessional who assisted in a couple of my classes. Her name was Ms. Binion. She never permitted us to miss anything academically and she never permitted us to do anything non-academically that we were not supposed to do. Anytime a teacher was absent, Ms. Binion took over and made sure we did not deviate from the plans of the day. She always cared and kept us on track. That same year, Mrs. Sarah Jane Skinner never ever raised her voice even when getting the attention of a rowdy group of students. Mrs. Skinner taught us that you really can command attention and respect by whispering and simply raising your hand. In tenth grade, Secretary Luckey always permitted students to use the telephone after school. (There were no cell phones in those days.) I am certain that many days she could have left early or could have been doing something else, but she did not mind lending a helping hand even after work hours . In eleventh grade at Newnan High School, Coach Max Bass worked the cafeteria each day and personally made his rounds talking individually to students. Most people said he was always recruiting for new football players but deep down he demonstrated that he did not mind listening to what students had to say. In twelfth grade, English instructor H. Richard Smith had a way of motivating seniors to read, write, and then write even more. He never ceased in his efforts to guide and develop students.

It is clear to see that I certainly have some fond memories of individuals in the Coweta County School System in Georgia. I could continue more with stories for I do have numerous memories that I will always treasure. Most importantly, I will forever appreciate and honor those in the educational field that have touched my heart, influenced my mind , and help to make my life better. Thank you to all the educators who make a difference each and every single day.