Patch Blog: Teacher Appreciation--For Me it Was Mrs. Whitcomb

A San Marino dad reflects on his favorite teacher and celebrates Carver Elementary School teachers.

I doubt that a metric exists that can measure the impact a teacher can have on a child, but despite this, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that a teacher's influence can last a lifetime.  Some people are lucky enough to have had more than one teacher or coach that positively influenced their lives.  For me, it was my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Whitcomb.

Mrs. Whitcomb was a red-headed firecracker from New York, and she wasn't shy about it.  At the time, which was in the 80s, she must have been in her late 40s perhaps early 50s.  She always dressed to the "9's" and would share stories with us about subways and the proper way to hold your newspaper in a cramped area so that you could read while sitting in the train.  These tales of the big city mesmerized me, and as a result, I have always had a special place in my heart for "The Big Apple" and I still get excited every time I visit.

As a father of five, I am well aware of how challenging it can be to share my time and love with all my children.  Teachers are asked daily to share their time and love with an entire classroom.  The truly exceptional teachers are able to make EACH of their students feel individually special.  That was Mrs. Whitcomb's gift.   My childish naiveté believed that I was the only one Mrs. Whitcomb saw greatness in, but my adult wisdom now understands. 

A teacher not only teaches but inspires a child to become better, to reach higher, to harness their talents, and ultimately to unleash the greatness that God has planted in each one of us.  It was because of Mrs. Whitcomb that I began taking a portable Brother Electronic Cartridge Typewriter to school so that I could type all of my assignments.  If she asked for a Newspaper Report, I would complete it on poster board.  If a three-page book report was due, I'd turn in 10 pages.  I treated EVERY one of my assignments as an EVENT.  It became a personal challenge to be the best in her class so that I could soak in all the adulation.  I will NEVER forget the day she told me that I would one day attend Harvard University.  I had no idea what Harvard was, but it didn't matter.  I accepted it as fact.  (Years later I attended UCLA as I wanted to remain close to my family.)  That's how powerful a teacher's influence can be.  It may sound brash, but I believe that during my 6th grade year, no single individual had more influence on me then her.

Carver Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

So why am I sharing this?  Things have come full circle, and now I am the Daddy.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of participating in the Teacher appreciation luncheon honoring Mrs. Domier, Mrs. Phelan, Mrs. Morris, and my son's teacher, Mrs. Denker.  In true Carver fashion, it also was an EVENT.  The teachers were treated to a red carpet entrance with parents playing the roles of paparazzi behind the red velvet ropes. That afternoon, we acknowledged who the real stars were: our children’s teachers.

Each classroom sent a representative to the podium to graciously speak on behalf of their class.  The speakers were absolutely amazing and on one occasion nearly brought the audience to tears. The recognition was well-deserved, and the opportunity to converse with our teachers and fellow parents over lunch was delightful.

I've seen firsthand the impact the Carver teachers have on our children and I will be forever grateful for the time, compassion, and wisdom bestowed upon them.  I look forward to the stories my children will share with me about their teachers, and will patiently wait to see who their "Mrs. Whitcomb" will be.

Special recognition to Porta Via Italian Foods for catering the event.  The food was delicious! We'd also like to extend a warm thank you to all the parents that took time out of their day to participate--especially the room mothers that acted as hosts including Sheri Gauteraux, Christina Pink, and Gemma Iannelli.  Last but not least, thank you to Rene Kae Pak for helping orchestrate the event and for acting as the event photographer as well!