Yesterday we made the trip from Clarksville to Waverly to see my friends, former colleagues, and even some of the students I taught stopped by to say hello!
I first must say that everyone at Waverly Central High School holds a special place in my heart. I unfortunately didn't get a picture of everyone, but here are a few.
Scott, a former student, is now a police officer. Humphreys County can now rest a little easier!!! :)
Corey and Emily (also former students) dated in high school and are now married! They are perfect for one another and couldn't be any more sweet!
We also got to spend a lot of time with my "Tennessee Mom". Debbie is a wonderful lady who was there for me every step of the way. She gave me all the advice a new teacher needs and became one of my closest friends!
Also, Jack managed to con her into watching "Thomas the Train" during one of her Spanish classes. And yes, the whole class watched "Thomas" with Jack. I don't think they expected to watch cartoons in class, but it was precious. They were all so good with Jack.
One of the first faces we saw was Nancy. Nancy works in the front office and is honestly one of the nicest, most caring and patient individuals I have ever met. I miss her terribly!
Mary is another very good friend of mine and one of the most giving and thoughtful people I know. As a perfect example of typical Mary behavior, she bought this toy for Jack so he would have something to play with when he arrived! Can you believe that? What a thoughtful person!
After we left the high school, we headed to The Board of Education, which is where Mr. Rawlings (he was the principal that hired me and that I worked for at WCHS) now works. We were able to have a nice conversation while my no-nap having son ran around Mr. Rawlings' office like a banshee. Thankfully he's a grandpa and understood my that my son's erratic behavior was the result of over stimulation coupled with no afternoon sleep.
All joking aside, I have so much respect for this man I cannot put how I feel into words. He gave me my first real job, hired me straight out of college and often times believed in me more than I did myself. He made Waverly a great place to work and an even better place for students to attend. I could go on and on and on.....but I'll stop with that.
After we left Waverly we headed back to Clarksville to visit a former professor of mine at Austin Peay State University. Again, Dr. Stewart is one of those amazing individuals that I have immense respect for. He was the principal at Ft. Campbell High School for many years before he left for APSU, but was the best teacher, mentor, and friend a person could ask for. Just to brag on him a little, he is now the Graduate Coordinator for the College of Ed, soon to be an Associate Professor, and recent recipient of the prestigious Socrates Award! The man is a true treasure and I miss him and love him dearly!!
Even though I am not from Tennessee and Illinois is technically my home, as soon as I crossed that state line I got the warm fuzzies! Tennessee will always be my home too! I miss my friends, the wonderful southern hospitality and manners, and the simpler way of life!
2 comments:
What a wonderful post! It's so neat to see this side of your life!eu
It was great to see you and meet your beloved son. You looked great and glad you are happy and at peace back at home. I miss you teaching Government across the hall from me but Mr. Herbert has done a great job also. Take care.
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