And Accepting the Award....

I know we are going to have a lot of fun remembering all the hell the teachers at St. Mary's put us through.  This topic is a chance for you to tell us about that one teacher who had the most positive impact on you.

It's hard to choose one, but I would have to say Mrs. Lietz. She always expected us to do our best, and made us write a paragraph every week. Oh, how I hated it. But, when I got to Lamar, I was able to write and do research papers with ease. I don't remember who taught Reading, but that was also my favorite subject, and about the only one I was good at. I still love to read and loved teaching Reading. And Mrs. Lietz was one of the hardest, meaning she made us do it right, and do it over until we got it right. Also, she let some of the girls in class learn how to crochet. My, what an experience. We had to make a border around a little scarf, I think it was for a dresser, how old does that make me sound? I was so proud when I got it done, and my mother kept it all those years, and I still have it. Thank you, Mrs. Lietz! 

I have to go back aways to second grade.  Sister Virginia really stands out in my mind.  I had spent most of the first grade in Nebraska and was very shy.  I was really having a hard time learning how to read.  Sister Virginia was so kind to me and took the time to help me and eventually I really learned to love to read.  Sister Virginia died while having heart surgery a few years later.  I still have the card from the Mother Superior telling me she had passed away.  I'll never forget her.

While we are on the subject I just want to say that I didn't appreciate the education I was receiving at the time.  After I joined the military and throughout my career it became obvious to me that my education gave me an upper hand with my peers.  Coming from a small school where the teachers were able to spend extra time was immeasureable.  Were there nuns that I didn't like? Of course, nevertheless, I have many fond memories of my teachers.

Jerry, I particularly remember you eating a notebook of paper in Mr. Gaul's class.  That was funny!

I forgot about Mrs. Panke(sp) in second grade. We were in the new school then, and I sat over by the windows(of course I never daydreamed!). It was the year it snowed, and I just happened to be gazing out the window and saw snowflakes. I raised my hand, and she just kept igonoring me, finally I just shouted,"It's snowing outside!". Well, that set the class into chaos. I am sure she could have strangled me, I don't remember what happened after that, but I have pictures of my mom and dad and me in the snow, and I always remember Mrs. Panke. 

I also have such fond memories of Sr. Virginia being the sweetest person.  The only thing I really remember was how embarrassed I was one morning in her class when I got sick and lost my breakfast right next to my desk. 

God, it is memories, precious memories, such as this one that make our website worthwhile.

Suzy, Thanks for making my day.

Let's see Suzy is hurling and I think it was Antoinette that left puddles under her desk everyday.  Such ladies...lol

I must agree with John, Sr. Virginia was the sweetest of all my teachers.  She was also beautiful.  I am not sure if in appearance or personality, but I remember thinking how beautiful she was.  Now Coach Donnie was the most fun but Mrs. Leitz I remember to be nice as well.

The girls would think Coach Carroll was fun.  You didn't have to get any licks with that plastic bat.  Remember when he got a new bat and gave all the freshmen boys a lick to try it out?  He was a sadistic man.  He had to show off when the girls would come out to practice and make us run easter egg hunts.

please enlighten the non-athletes, what was an easter egg run?

We would have to line up on the goal line and run 10 yards and then crawl 10 yards alternating the length of the field.  He would make us do this until most of us could no longer stand or were throwing up.  It wasn't fun.

I am so sorry about that!  That changes my whole outlook on things.  I am sure you all were perfect angels and did not need them.  How dare he????  I know a good lawyer, do you think we could still sue? LOL  Our reunion w/e should prove to be FUN!

Carolyn -- you really were always a good girl, so no teacher would make you run laps.  OK, with the exception that some of us chattered when the teacher wanted us to be quiet.  Our worst misbehaving is nothing compared to what teachers today confront.

I also remember Sr. Virginia, in particular, she would teach our class after lunch and she read a book to us about Joan of Arc complete with a blackboard drawing showing the siege of Orleans by Joan.  Why on earth I recall that is a mystery, but I thought she was very sweet and so was Mrs. Pahnke.  I still keep in touch with Sr. Raphael who taught some of us in 3rd grade.  She is retired, grew up in Beamont and my mom plays bridge with Sr. Raphael's biological sister, Loretta.  Small world.

See you soon!

Kat,  I remember one teacher in high shcool, made me stand in the garbage can with a hat on because of my outgoing personality (yes, I was probably talking to you)--that was the hardest thing for me--keeping quiet.  Thinking of it somethings don't change.  Of course I knew not to push it too hard or AD would have taken action.

No seriously--I remember struggling to get thru Algebra I and then signed up for Algebra II.  I should have had head my head examined.  I have to give the credit for passing both Algebra classes to one person--Gloria Glasser.  She was always so patient and helpful to me.  She answered all of my questions, and never did make me feel like I should have known the answer.

And the Latin award goes to .... Kathleen Ryan!!  When I was done I wanted to conjugate Sr. (I can see her face but what was her name?)  Sr. Carmel??? Remember wasn't it her sister that was murdered our Junior year and we were so shocked.  But I must say that I have used my cajun french alot more than I ever used Latin. 

If I did not tell both of you then THANKS!

Shirley Luna was the BEST at social calendars! LOL  Couldn't have made it without you guys!