One Student and Her Teacher!
Yes, it’s Friday and thank goodness! I have spent the entire week getting ready for a monumental event in our household. My baby graduates high school tomorrow. It is hard to believe that this is the same little girl that headed out to preschool some 15 years ago in her little frilly dress and black patent leather shoes. Grade school was fun, and I spent most of my time then as a volunteer at school. She floundered a little in 6th grade, was moved around in the 7th to be in classes with the honor students, but not doing the honor’s curriculum. A dear friend of mine taught 8th grade and requested to have Mallory in her class. Upon reviewing her grades and test scores, my friend called me and said “Sherry, this girl needs to be moved into honor classes and I’m moving her now.” What a god send. Come to find out, Mallory was bored. One teacher, having the foresight to look into a student’s history, changed the entire educational experience for my daughter. Mallory has excelled from that point on, taking honors classes all through high school, belonging to Anchor Club and National Honor Society. She has also played varsity tennis and soccer.
Last Sunday, the high school honored those students in the top 10% of the class. The students were requested to invite the teacher that had made the most impact on them during their school years. Mallory invited her 8th grade teacher. I could not think of a more fitting tribute to a teacher, who was delighted to attend the luncheon with Mallory; stating she had been to the luncheon many times before, but none was more special than this year’s. She has watched Mallory grow up through the years. Spent many hours with her inside and outside the classroom. She has given her advice on high school classes, what college dorm to live in, and I’m sure (even though they would not admit it) about boys. How lucky for Mallory that she had a teacher who was so instrumental in changing the path of her education.
I think I have digressed. I wanted to talk about having my youngest daughter graduating and leaving home, but I find talking about the educator that made such an impact on her more important. If it wasn’t for Mallory’s 8th grade teacher, I doubt very seriously Mallory would have attained the achievements that she did in high school. I feel so blessed that one educator picked up a child that was spinning into an abyss, saw her potential and truly made a difference in the life of that child.
Here is a picture of Mallory and her teacher:
What a delightful day we had together and I am so glad that I got to spend time with such a formidable educator as well as an old friend.
I suppose my story of Mallory preparing to leave home will have to wait until another day. Maybe when it finally hits mom that the empty nest is looming!
. . . . and if I get some stamping done later, I’ll be back to show you!
This is such a great story! I am a high school teacher and it is so wonderful to find that you have really helped a student and mean something to them, and that they will never forget you. Students like your daughter are sometimes few and far between. I just finished school for the summer yesterday, this was a great story to read on the last day of the year.
Jacqueline
I have tears in my eyes! One person CAN make a difference!!!
Sherry, I can’t tell you how much your story meant to me. My husband is an elementary school teacher and it means so much when parents and student recognize the work the good teachers put into their students. Your story brought tears to my eyes!! Congratulations to your daughter!
What a wonderful story and such a sweet picture. How blessed you were to have had a dedicated teacher there for your daughter when she needed her most.
Congratulations, Mallory!!
What a sweet story. And I love your new pic!
What a wonderful girl you have, you have the right to be PROUD!! BTW – you’ve been tagged, check out my blog!
Kudos to Mallory for being such a wonderful young lady…and to you for raising her that way. As an educator, I know I have the opportunity to have an impact on every young person who walks in the door. Most often, I don’t get the chance to see what mpact that is. Thank you (from teachers everywhere) for showing your daughter’s teacher just how she affected Mallory’s life. What an honor for her.
What a wonderful and touching story. Congrats to you & Mallory! Best Wishes for a fun and wonderful life! Have fun at grad, don’t shed too many tears, and hug her close.
Ok I need to go find a tissue – what a wonderful story, thank you for sharing with us! And a big CONGRATULATIONS to both you and Mallory!
Sherry, what a beautiful story! Congratulations to both of you lovely ladies!
Wow~kinda makes me wish I was a teacher who could have such an impact on someone!! Congratulations to both you and Mallory!!
Great daughter, great teacher and great story. Also, love the say charge card below!
What a freakin awesome story! As I read this I had tears in my eyes! Without teachers, where in the world would all of us be ???? My hats off to them!
Fortunate, young and fabulous Mallory! Has anyone ever told you she looks like Gwyneth Paltrow? Beautiful, intelligent, accomplished Mallory! I know you’re a very proud mom and thanking your lucky stars!
What a beautiful story! Thanks so much for sharing!