A Tribute For Two Teachers
Over a month ago I received a letter from my elementary school informing me that two teachers who had been there for almost 20 years had retired. The school was looking for alumni to submit tributes, stories, and anecdotes about these two women.
Normally I wouldn't bother with this sort of request. This school was after all the foundational corner stone of my Hellish adolescence and left me with more scars than I can name. However these two teachers I liked a lot. They are good people, and one of them in particular made what was an otherwise dark period in my life, a lot brighter.
I meant to write something about each of them a while back but forgot. Fortunately they haven't even begun this project even though the extended due date was yesterday. They never were known for their timeliness on projects. I called up the school to make sure that it wasn't too late to submit my tributes. Yes, I actually called up the school. So you know it was damned important to me. The woman who was the head of the project said it was quite alright and so I e-mailed her what I wrote.
I don't know what will become of this. I'm pretty sure they will get the whole thing put together eventually. Whether or not I will hear about it or even have my submissions included (I'm telling you it's a unneasy relationship) remains to be seen. But this whole process meant a lot to me. It brought back many happy memories that ovr the years have become lost amongst the pain and angst. And because of that, I want to share it what I wrote with the world at large. Even if the school doesn't include what I submitted, at least it will be out there in the great scheme of things via this blog and hopefully someone who cares will see it.
And here they are, my tributes to two wonderful teachers. Thank you both for everything you gave me all those many years ago.
When I heard that Mrs. Aizupitis and Mrs. Dwyer were leaving ACDS I was quite surprised. As one of the few students who attended ACDS from its early years, from kindergarten through 8th grade, I have been privileged to experience the joy and creativity that these two amazing teachers have given to the school throughout the years. They will be greatly missed and ACDS will certainly not be the same without them.
I have a very special place in my heart for Mrs. Aizupitis. She will forever in my mind be a fixture of ACDS life. It is hard to find all of the right words to say. Mrs. Aizupitis was and is simply an inspiration. A one-of-a-kind person who shines. I remember her music as a child and the fun and interesting games she had for us to play. The way she wove the history and details about each song as she played them for us, and her passion for the music, still stays with me. Her musical story times are still unmatched and were the best way to pass a rainy afternoon when we couldn't go outside and play.
She had this way of looking at you when you talked to her that made you feel so completely heard and understood. There was this light and look of wisdom in her eyes too, and the way she would smile that gave you this sense that she was seeing far beyond the immediate you. As If she were able to foresee the future of what your potential would be, all the while encouraging you to pursue your art and dreams. She always encouraged us to strive for more, to be more. I was blessed to have had her as a teacher for so many years.
I was also one of her original Bell Choir students. My years in the Bell Choir taught me a new appreciation of music especially since she made it fun and easy to learn. I will always be grateful to Mrs. Aizupitis for everything she taught me and gave me as a student. I feel sorry for the future generations who not experience her as a teacher.
I don't recall being in Mrs. Dwyer's kindergarten class, I don't think I was, but then again I don't remember much about kindergarten in general so I may be wrong. But what sticks out in my mind about her most is her presence. Mrs. Dwyer was one of the calmest, most centered teachers I have ever met. I can't recall a time I ever saw her lose her temper with a student. Her approach to every situation was so calming and soothing that not problem seemed like much of one at all. Her love and passion for teaching and her students radiated and it was impossible not to feel unhappy around her. Even if you weren¹t one of her students, she was always kind to you and never failed to give you a bright smile when you passed her in the hallways.
I wish both Mrs. Aizupitis and Mrs. Dwyer all the best and know that they will continue to touch the lives of and bring joy to everyone around them.
