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Martinsville High School Alumni
Class of 1962 Reply  |   Post Message  |   Message List
Which Teacher Had the Most Profound Effect on You? - 9
12/09/02     Rev. David Sparks  (1962)      cdsparks@rjia.net
Hello, Classmates,

You may have heard of the two fellows talking about school days, when one asked the other, "John, which of your teachers had the most profound effect on you?"
"That's easy: Mrs. Tompkins in 6th grade turned me around in my studies; challenged me; and helped me set my course for success in life."
"Did you ever write her and let her know how much she meant to you?" "No, but I will do it soon."
The letter he wrote said, in part, "Mrs. Tompkins, you were my greatest teacher because of how you made such a difference in my life. Of course, I suppose you have received dozens of letters over the years from former students, like me, who really appreciated what you meant to them."

Mrs. Tompkins replied,"Dear John, your letter arrived on a cold, dreary day. I read your sweet letter again and again. It's words lifted my spirits and encouraged my heart. Actually, your letter is the only one I have ever received from one of my former students." [END OF STORY]

Classmates, I don't know about you, but before these wonderful educators pass off the scene of action, I want to try to contact as many of them as I can to let them know what they meant to me personally. Just two who meant so much to me were Mr. Chester Lane and Coach Husky Hall.

May I challenge all of us to let these good folks know that when it counted most, they made a great difference.
 
12/16/02     C. Bruce Lupton  (1962)      Loopydade@msn.com
Re: Which Teacher Had the Most Profound Effect on You?
David: I think you are so right in this regards. I know I never have contacted those that influenced me the most, or at all for that matter. How does one go about getting addresses of former instructors? I still think about Miss Mary Jane Powell and her emphasis on vocabulary and composition.
One of my most influential professors was a Mrs. Prillaman (forgot the first name) who taught English composition at Patrick Henry Community College. She worked with me and basically, helped prepare me for the rest of my college and professional career. Had I listened to and studied harder under Miss Powell, Mrs. Prillaman may not have had the impact she did.
Thanks David. Does anyone know if Miss Powell is still in the area or alive???
12/17/02     Rev. David Sparks  (1962)      cdsparks@rjia.net
Re: Which Teacher Had the Most Profound Effect on You?
Bruce, My Friend,

It was good to hear from you again. You ask an excellent question. Something tells me that there is quite likely a group of retired teachers in the Martinsville area. Furthermore, I would almost bet that they get together at least once a year for a great big ol' fellowship meal.

SOMEBODY -- I don't know who --would be a key person to roll out a current list of retired teachers. (Possibly you could call either Mr. Chester Lane, or Coach Robert "Husky" Hall, both of whom have a wealth of information about such folks, and perhaps they could give you the telephone # of the "corresponding sec'y", or the president of the retired teachers organization there in Martinsville.)

If you get a handle on this info, it will be a real gold mine for all of us MHS'ers who would love to contact these wonderful educators and give them a big "THANK YOU!"

Be sure and let the rest of us know what you find. POST IT HERE ON MAVAHI.COM

Your pal in Christ,

David Sparks
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