One of my most memorable teachers was Mr. W., a Social Studies teacher from my junior year in high school. He was young, enthusiastic, and very intelligent. His exuberance was contagious, and soon, the entire class was eager to learn. We discussed a variety of topics ranging from history to current events to local politics. The text book was a guide, but his mind was the true curriculum. His group facilitation tactics inspired friendly competition and spirited debates daily. He inspired us to research topics and learn much more than the class required. He made us want to succeed, not only in school, but in life.
Each of us in the class was determined to ace the SATs and ACTs, and Mr. W. encouraged the rivalries that developed. When the class received the test results, he was as proud and excited as we were as we proudly compared top scores.
Mr. W.'s teaching career was unexpectedly ended that summer when he was killed in a freak automobile accident. Those of us who were lucky enough to have had him as our teacher and mentor will always remember his quest for knowledge and zest for life.
-- Cathy Cottle, Florida Atlantic University