For 1st through the 8th grade, I had the privilege of attending a small parochial school in a suburb south of Detroit. I call this a privilege because I thought at the time and know for sure now, that the teachers at this school were outstanding. With hindsight and a grown up perspective, I now realize that I not only liked my teachers, but I loved them.
In this school, all of the teachers were trained at a religious college. They knew that when college was over, and they got their first job, the salary was going to be pathetically low but that didn't stop them. Their work for the Lord and Savior was more important than money. They instilled in us students a love for education. There were only 4 teachers teaching the 1st through 8th grades and one of those was also the principal. They worked very hard.
The teacher that most impacted my life was our principal and 7th and 8th grade teacher. His name was Ruben F. Kamprath. As a 1st and 2nd grader he seemed larger than life but we had no fear of him. He always had a smile on his face and something good to say. He told us to always remember how to spell "principal" because it ended with "pal" and that he was our pal. He made people laugh and he made them feel loved. He was the most dedicated person I have ever known. Not only did he head our school as our principal but he taught two grades, played the organ in church and led the choirs. He was always around and never seemed to mind. When you were having a bad day he was able to pull you out of your slump and lead you toward a good day.
For Mr. Kamprath, kindness was not his only strong point. He was able to make learning fun. I was not a very happy child or student but he never gave up on me. My guess is that he understood my unhappiness and prayed for me. Several years after I left that school (although I still had two sisters attending there) my parents went through some extreme marital problems and he painstakingly sat and listened to my mother for hours on end.
Mr. Kamprath made a difference in my life mostly because he had a heart of gold and a tremendous love for his Savior. That touched me as a child and still does today. And, behind Mr. Kamprath was en equally dedicated and loving Mrs. Kamprath whom he adored. There could not be two more wonderful people!!!
I know that I am one of many people who feel this way about the Kampraths. I'm honored to have known them and loved them. Mr. Kamprath is now spending eternity in Heaven where one day we will meet again and he will again call me by the pet name he had for me.
As I become a teacher I always need to remember that education also needs a heart. When a child feels love and comfort, they are in a better position to learn. Mr. Kamprath made the environment perfect for me.
Ruth Tresner, Florida Atlantic University