30 Years

I celebrated my 30 year class reunion last night.  Almost half of my class attended....I’m thinking that's pretty good after 30 years.  It was so good to see everybody...even better that I remembered everybody.  Some of my classmates had trouble with that one!  I will admit that I had to look in the yearbook for one boy...guess he's a man now!  Timmy hadn’t changed that much, I just had not seen him since he left for the military after high school.

I was one of the last people to leave...I didn’t want it to end.  We talked, laughed, looked at pictures and videos remembering the good times.  

I’m blogging tonight to thank my teachers...seven of them attended.  Hard to believe that they still want to hang out with us, even after the senior cruise in 1983.  Yes, teachers went on cruises with senior classes way back then.

Ms. Bell - thank you for teaching me how to type...I had to skip out on an honors math class to get in typing class my junior year...who would of thought that the skills you taught me would be part of my livelihood in the workplace today.  I will admit you were not my favorite teacher, but I'm glad we became friends later in life through a civic organization.  And I am glad that typing was a part of the curriculum in 1982 and that I was allowed to take it, even though I did not want to be a secretary!

Ms. Thomas - thank you for teaching me about kindness and communication.  As an educator, I try to be kind and respectful to all students.  I continue to see how much you still care!  It is wonderful after all these years that you remain a part of our school family.  Through tutoring and caring, you are still making a big difference at AHS.

Mr. Lovell - you taught me how to study!  and most of all how to be prepared.  Thank you!  You are part of the reason I arrive at work early and stay late.  If I recall correctly, I made my first C in your class.  I still tell students that the lowest grade I made in an English class in college was a B+.  Thank You!

Ms. Lovell - I was so proud when I started working in the library at AHS and you told me that you used my home decorating project for a good example years after I graduated.  I doubt we have many seamstresses in our class, but it is amazing how many people in attendance last night still have the stuffed animal they made in your class.  You taught us to take pride in our work!  

Ms. Susan Skipper Chandler - you taught me many things;  If I were a writer, I would write a book!  I’m probably to old to play sports now :) but I’m still a good sport!  Thank you for teaching me sportsmanship!  I also think you may have taught me to not get mad, get even!  Wake up little Suzie is still one of my favorite songs!

Ruth Ann Sanford - for a moment, I thought you were a classmate when you walked in.  You were probably only a few years older than me when I was in your art class in 1983!  You are one of my all time favorite teachers.  I can't remember specifics about what you taught me.  I do remember that I was always engaged!  Art was my favorite subject.  When there is talk of student engagement, I think about your class.

Coach Shaw - you taught me the importance of a good story!  You taught me to take pride in my school and what school spirit means.  I always think of you during spirit week.  History wasn't my favorite subject and you made it interesting for me.  You made it relevant and authentic 30 years ago!!!  You had a vision!


To all my teachers, I APPRECIATE YOU!   I hope that my students agree that you helped shape me into a caring, understanding and respectful educator!