Class Act

 

One of the things that we try very hard to do around here (Broadway) is to recognize and celebrate the gifts that folks bring to our fellowship.  We are surrounded by so many gifts — after all, we all have them!  And it is wonderful when we can call attention to the talents we see in each other. 

However, my attention was recently drawn to one of our folks, Teresa White, in a place where I was not expecting to see someone I know, Noblesville Magazine.  This feature publication of the Indianapolis Star is one of those glossy periodicals which highlight local places and events.  It often features the faces of “movers and shakers” in the community at charity events and the like.  It also does a nice job recognizing people who are making a difference in the community and that was the category in which Teresa was recently featured.

The spring edition included an article that recognized four area high school educators who were chosen by seniors for making a special impact on them.  Instructors who had asked for just a little bit more from them, and in so doing had inspired them to exceed their own expectations for themselves.   Teresa, who teaches at Noblesville High School, was chosen as “that instructor” by Josh Hall.  This is what Josh had to say about his Honors English teacher:

By Josh Hall, Noblesville High School

Think of any topic and you can be fairly certain that Mrs. Teresa White has talked about it in one of her classes. Impressionist art, transcendentalism, Huck Finn, AIDS - you name it, we probably covered it in Mrs. White’s junior honors English class. This eclecticism is precisely what has profoundly influenced me as her pupil, and it is what makes her one of the most talented educators at Noblesville High School.  

I have been privileged enough to be Mrs. White’s pupil three out of my four years in high school. When I first began in her broadcast journalism class, I was a product of the worksheet method, a slave to the easy, passive homework structure of some unfortunately awful teaching styles. Mrs. White’s classes require no passivity or rote memorization. Students are expected to challenge themselves and pursue their interests.

This method still is not tempting for those many upperclassmen afflicted with “senioritis.” Now I am a senior writer on the staff of the school newspaper, Mill Stream, which Mrs. White oversees. Though my apathetic senior self is drawn to the computer and the enticing world of online Boggle, Mrs. White always sees what it best for me.

“Perhaps you should talk to your state senator about that story of yours. That’d be good journalism, hmmm?” she says, titling her head and arching an eyebrow in that lovably sarcastic way. I hate that sometimes, especially when I know she’s right, but it’s so necessary and you can’t help but smile at Mrs. White’s earnestness.

I hope other students do the same for many years to come.

Around Broadway, we are grateful for the many places Teresa invests her heart and energy.  From tutoring to choir to committees, there always seems to be something that she is working on.  So I am truly pleased to see Teresa recognized in a place like Noblesville Magazine for making a difference in the lives of the students she encounters every day.  We know it is well deserved.  The next time you pass her, maybe you can tell her “thanks” too.

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 (I need to thank my friend, IndyStar reporter - John Hughey, for supplying the text from article for me to post here.  John, your star has not faded!  DC)