From an inductee
David Lazerson Hollywood, Florida
Originally published 02:25 p.m., June 26, 2008
Updated 02:25 p.m., June 26, 2008
On behalf of my wife Gittel and the other four inductees to this year’s 2008 National Teacher Hall of Fame, we thank you all for everything!
The events of June 18-20 were extraordinary and truly inspiring. From the first session of meeting all those bright-eyed high school students, all thinking of becoming teachers, to the tour of the one-room schoolhouse, to the radio show and round table discussions, to the wonderful concert in the park with the Emporia band, to the banquet and induction ceremony, it was all so wonderful and, in fact, beyond words. Our deepest thanks to all the folks of Emporia for your incredible warmth and hospitality, making us strangers feel so welcome and, in fact, like we were at home. Everywhere we went, from meetings with city and university dignitaries to simply walking down the streets, people were so friendly, hospitable and genuine. This true American value is still alive and well in Emporia!
In this day and age, when athletes and entertainers command multi-million dollar salaries and sponsorships, teaching often gets placed on the low end of the totem pole. However, like President Lane mentioned in his speech at the induction, ESU and all of Emporia do indeed have their priorities straight. The folks of Emporia can be proud of their strong commitment to teachers and education. You all have truly inspired us to take things to the next level. My fellow inductees and I are just getting warmed up as we are planning some exciting events to help put Emporia and the Teachers Hall of Fame where it belongs: in the nation’s spotlight and consciousness.
Kudos to Lane and all of the ESU staff, the superintendent of the Emporia schools, and to all of the sponsors. Our deepest thanks to the Stricklands, Jenny, Kelly and Miranda, and the entire staff at the NTHF. And my own personal gratitude for our host family — Tim, Angie and Lauren Miller, for being so helpful and such wonderful people. Hats off to you all in Emporia for this absolutely life-changing and inspiring jam-packed three days. You’ve become our home away from home. God bless you all and God bless America.
srochat (Scott Rochat) says...
Glad you enjoyed your stay in Emporia. This is the first time in six or seven years that I have missed the National Teachers Hall of Fame ceremony. Much as I would have liked to have gone, it makes a difference to live nine hours away with $3.83 gas! I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to talk with your incoming "class" of inductees, but please take my best wishes home with you.
Scott Rochat
Longmont, CO
June 26, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )