Almost all of this year's list of heroes emerge from the schoolhouse, a common place for inspiration. I suppose it's easy to see teachers as inspirational. Our job is often thankless and underappreciated, but one of the reasons I love this job is that, as
Manny Scott said, "even on your worst day you are still someone's best hope." There are many stories of inspirational teachers--unsung heroes who still get their songs from time to time.
But students can inspire too. Their heroics may not be as visible to the wider world. Their exploits are taken for their granted by their classmates, maybe overstated by loving parents, and often noticed only by a caring teacher or coach. I'm willing to bet most of my colleagues have found themselves encouraged and inspired by a student in their class. For almost every year since I began this annual tradition, at least one of my students have made the list. It's not about favorites for me (though I know it can be perceived that way, which is why I will never nominate a student while they are still in my class), and it's not even necessarily about someone who I "enjoy teaching" (though I generally do). What inspires me about these kids has nothing to do with their classroom performance or behavior. My students don't inspire me by getting the best grades, being popular with their peers, or staying out of trouble. They are not my heroes because of their potential greatness tomorrow, but simply because I aspire to be more like them today.
This year's list features four adults and four young people. Four of my former students, three current or former colleagues, and one person who is employed as an engineer but lives her life like a Teacher of the Year. For the first time one of my heroes has been nominated posthumously. And for the first time ever, a fourth nominee from the same remarkable family. There are the Kennedy's, the Bush's, the Paez's and now the Green's: families just packed with amazing individuals. Jordan could have made
the 2017 list, but that would have violated my rule about nominating a student while they are in my class. Sister Jasmyn was on the list last year. Grandmother
Shirley was on the list in 2016 and mom,
Valerie was on the 2015 list.
My job is wonderful, not least because I get to work with inspiring people like these:
Jordan Green
Tiana Rhodes-Washington
Dalane Crawford II
Lawrence Stewart
Larry Brooks
Lisa Lavalas
Thomas Slocum III
Belvia Jackson
Jordan Green
I'm inspired by his humility
He couldn't be humble if he weren't so talented. It's Jordan's impressive gifts on the basketball court that underscore his remarkable humility on--and off-the court. There aren't many kids his age who have the maturity and self-awareness to carry themselves with the dignity that Jordan does. I always knew that Jordan, like many kids his age, loved to play basketball. What I didn't fully realize was how good he was until I saw him capture the imagination of a gym full of high school students when he himself was a mere 8th grader. It took only the final ten minutes of the game when he was put in to play to have everyone in the stands chanting his name as if another more well-known Jordan was the one effortlessly sinking three-pointers, commanding the game. That kind of instant celebrity would have gone to the heads of most kids (and most adults too), but not Jordan. I'm sure I've bragged about Jordan's spotlight stealing game far more than he has.
I've often wondered what enables Jordan to stay so humble, and I've concluded that it's a combination of hard work, passion for the game, and true self-confidence. I don't know what hoop dreams Jordan Green harbors, but whatever they are, I believe he will achieve them. And when he does, you won't catch Jordan bragging. His accomplishments will say all that needs to be said.
Tiana Rhodes-Washington
I'm inspired by her integrity
Navigating the treacherous world of middle school is no easy task. Tiana managed to do it with quiet grace and wisdom that enabled her to maintain positive relationships with her peers while simultaneously earning the respect of her teachers. Elected vice-president of her class, she ended up carrying the responsibilities of the office of class president for almost half the year. She did so without complaining, without throwing her weight around, and without alienating her fellow-classmates. On more than one occasion Tiana had to make tough decisions--decisions always guided by a deep sense of integrity and fair play. Throughout the year I admired her courage, patience, and calm spirit. She managed to side-step the drama that often consumes the social life of many kids her age. I think part of the reason she was able to do that is that her friends knew what I know too: that Tiana can be trusted. There is no higher mark one can earn in school--and in life--than that.
Dalane Crawford II
I'm inspired by his independence
Not many people can march to beat of their own drum without throwing other people off their timing. Dalane managed to strike that remarkable balance, something I've seen few iconoclasts of any age pull off. I've had plenty of students who are determined to do their own thing. Dalane stands apart because he always chose to do his own thing without being rude, disrespectful, or arrogant. He has a unique way of declining to follow the crowd--a kind of pleasant, unperturbed, and unassuming way of doing what he wants instead of what others think he should. This quality stood out last fall when he suddenly decided that he was going to run the Buckeye Classic 10K with me and some of the other students. Dalane had shown little interest in athletics up to that point so his decision came as a surprise. Also surprising was how he truly ran his own race as we trained. I had lots of advice on how to prepare for the race, but Dalane politely went about his business sometimes doing what I recommended, sometimes not. By race day, it came as no surprise that Dalane finished first out of our group and shattered the old CAA 10K record. Of course we were all excited by his performance and were sure that he'd want to keep running. We all thought he should. But in the same way that he decided to start running, he decided he was done. He came, he ran, he conquered, and he was satisfied with that. Our enthusiasm for his new running career was no consequence to him.
I've always struggled with being a people-pleaser, and I don't find myself drawn to most so called "rebels" because they treated other people so poorly. In Dalane I see someone who doesn't worry about pleasing others, and yet still remains kind, respectful and humble. I want to be like that!
Lawrence Stewart
I'm inspired by his dedication
I didn't fully appreciate how much Stu inspired me until I was sitting at his funeral. As person after person rose up to testify how Mr. Stewart had impacted their lives, I was inspired to live life the way he did: invested in helping others. Stu sure helped me a lot. When I first came to Columbus Adventist Academy, he was the only other male on the staff. At that point he was already retired, but still teaching math part time at the school. He took me under his wing like he did countless others in his lifetime. He helped me find my footing as someone new to the school, and provided invaluable counsel. After he further he retired, he still continued to be a great support, coming in a couple of times a week to tutor my fifth grade math students and volunteering to be a science fair judge. When his health forced him to retire sill more, I didn't see so much of Stu anymore. But whenever I did, he always inquired about how things were going at the school, asked about specific students by name. I could tell he cared--about the school, about the kids, about me.
A few years back Stu passed the CAA uniform sweater he always used to wear on to me. In a way I wish I still had that sweater, but in another way I'm glad I don't. You see I gave that sweater away last school year, to one of my students who needed one (coincidentally, it was one of the students on this heroes list). That's something Stu would have done.
Larry Brooks
I'm inspired by his positive attitude
There are those that praise God with their lips and those who praise God with their lives. Mr. Brooks does both. He sees a blessing in everything. Every situation is a reason to give thanks. And likewise Mr. Brooks seeks to be a blessing every day. Every situation is an opportunity to be of service. Mr. Brooks is uniformly positive, encouraging and helpful. I thought that maybe now that he's fully in the thick of the struggle, dealing with recalcitrant students on a daily basis, and going through the crucible of fire that every new teacher must suffer, that his positive energy would flag, but so far he perseveres valiantly. He remains ever ready with an extended hand, a cheerful smile, a ready prayer, and a faithful spirit. The kids may not always appreciate it, but I see you Mr. Brooks, and one day they will too.
Lisa Lavalas
I'm inspired by her patience and wisdom
She's the only one left now. Of the teachers I began with at Columbus Adventist Academy, all have moved on the other fields of service except Lisa. She's still running her kindergarten classroom with same patience, love, and dedication that she's had in the past decade I've known her. Throughout this time Lisa has inspired me by her wise approach to challenging situations and difficult people. She has a philosophy of education that emphasizes respect, empathy, and kindness. This serves her well both in and out of the classroom. She taught my older son in kindergarten four years ago and now my younger son in is in her class. Both of them have benefited by her loving and logical approach to education and relationships. And this year, Lisa once again took the helm of our school's massive Christmas program. She's never sought out this leadership role, but she's seen the need and stepped into fill it time and again, and always with insight and patience. I am blessed to count Lisa Lavalas as a faithful, trustworthy friend and I hope she sticks around at CAA at least as long as I do!
Thomas Slocum III
I'm inspired by his happy spirit
Whether he's personally feeling happy at the moment or not, Thomas always does his best to bring happiness into the lives of others. This is a conscious decision on his part and his choice to choose joy on a daily basis made each day a little bit better for me and everyone around him. I always appreciated his heartfelt prayers and his ready smile. He always accepted reprimands with grace and respect. He was a friend to all. That kind of attitude is a rarity and a treasure in the fractious world of adolescence. Whenever I'm inclined to get negative, I can think of Thomas and how he would act, and do what he would do. I trust, that as he experiences the euphoric ups and daunting downs and everything in between in high school, he'll maintain the happy, hopeful spirit that served him so well thus far.
Belvia Jackson
I'm inspired by her cheerful excellence
She's one of those people who does everything well. With Belvia Jackson excellence is a given, and always delivered with a side of good cheer. I've had the opportunity to work with Belvia through her involvement with children's ministries and Adventurers. I've also had her daughter as one of my students for three years and had her children on our school sports teams when I was the athletic director, so I've interacted with her as a parent. Whatever the context, Belvia is dependable, on top of things, perceptive, and consistently pleasant to work with. She has the unique ability to slip into leadership when needed without being domineering. She is equally able to act in a supporting role, following instructions to the letter, and staying in step with the program. Whether leading or supporting, your program is always better with Belvia on the team. There those who bring excellence and there are those who bring a positive spirit. Belvia Jackson delivers both. Every single time.
