Teachers Make a Difference

Over the past couple of weeks, I've talked to a number of people who have sent words of congratulations on my new job here at Schick.

I have to tell you, yesterday I received a great joy in the mail. It was a card. On the front it said simply, "Congratulations." When I opened it, it had a really wonderful message and was signed by my first grade teacher, Mrs. Betty Kramm. Mrs. Kramm was a great influence in the early growth of my life and is always keeping in touch through notes. It is that kind of lasting influence that teachers make that students remember and appreciate.

I could go on about this, but I won't. I will tell you, however, that it really meant a lot to me that the night I was hired that my 8th grade Social Studies teacher, Mr. John Raymond was in attendance. That same evening Mrs. Kay (Rose) Weilminster and Mrs. Linda Woodling, my 4th and 5th grade teachers spoke to me on the phone as they were having dinner with my folks. It was meaningful to share that moment with them.

See, special people like teachers shape our lives (and are appreciated), even years after we've spent time in their classrooms. As we head into this new school year, it is time to shape lives and build those lasting relationships by being positive influences like Mrs. Kramm, Mr. Raymond, Mrs. Weilminster, and Mrs. Woodling.