For the past two weeks, students have been returning to their classrooms and getting acquainted with their teacher or teachers. Recently a post on social media asked people to name their kindergarten or first grade teachers. I’m sure they were great teachers but I can’t remember their names. When my parents decided to move back to the farm in Jewell County, I attended a one- room country school, Oak Creek. I remember most of those great teachers including Jeaniece (Morris) Montgomery who helped me so much as I came from a class of 60, to the country school where I was the only one in my grade. Little did I know back then, a few years later when I started attending school at Burr Oak my 8th grade year, that Mrs. Montgomery’s little brother would be my classmate. Other teachers at the country school were Mrs. Fitz, Mrs. Lippy and Mrs. O’Hara, all encouragers who taught students to do the very best they could do. Mrs. Lippy was a good softball player and would often join in a game during recess.

I had many wonderful teachers in high school. Mr. Hafner had patience with all the students. He was so calm. Under Mrs. Mullins students learned history from all the angles. Students followed Mrs. Mullins rules and all of her students will never forget her her “pop tests.” Mrs. Hafner, the Home Ec. teacher, taught me how to sew a suit, to cook and bake, and to decorate the home of my dreams. Mrs. Hafner was also a Spanish teacher. She tried her best to teach me to speak Spanish; Mrs. Rosetta Jeffery, music teacher, encouraged me in something she knew I had a passion for. The older I got, the more I appreciated those dedicated teachers.

It takes a special person to be a teacher, and I’m so happy we have two granddaughters who are currently studying to become teachers. Thank you to all the teachers out there.