Thanking my Great Teachers

This is going to be long, but I think it is important.

If you have done well in life, I think almost everyone can point to a great teacher, coach, or school administrator who helped them along the way.  I had NUMEROUS men and women who helped me along the way, and I am so grateful for their help.

Mrs. White - my 2nd grade teacher.  I thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world (can a second grader have a crush? ;).  She fostered in me a love of reading that has consumed years of my life.

Ms. Janey Hall, junior high choir director - the stereotype of an artist - crazy, disorganized, off-the-walls funny.  Naturally, as a Type A personality, I loved her immediately.  Even though we were opposites, she made choir the greatest class ever, and made junior high bearable.

Mrs. Glenda Casey, high school choir director.  Even though I only had her for a year (she retired to follow her husband's career), she taught me that you didn't need to be big and powerful to be a strong person.  This little lady (and I do mean little) could COMMAND the attention of 50 high schoolers without even trying.  Also, a brilliant teacher of music.

Counselor in high school: Unfortunately, I only worked with this man once, and cannot remember his name.  Most people are surprised that I was bullied quite badly my junior year of high school.  Running in crying, he took me into his office, calmed me down, and then proceeded to teach me how to stand up for myself.  While I was still the same skinny kid, he taught me that most bullies back down once they see resistance, since they pick on those who aren't willing to defend themselves.

And finally, three voice teachers: Dr. Oliver Worthington, Dr. Bruce Cain, and Dr. Timothy Jones - while all valuable in teaching singing, what they taught me outside the classroom was far more valuable.  Worthington helped me in the scariest part of my singing career, in which everything seems out of reach.  Cain was the model of a kind gentleman that I can only hope to emulate.  And to Dr. Jones - perhaps the finest example of what it means to be a professional.

To end, I would love to create or find a website where former students could post these tributes.  I think teachers (especially in the elementary and junior high schools) often feel undervalued and need to hear that once you get past all the ugly nonsense said in the media, there are a lot of people who love them for their help in forging their characters.

DWS