My family returned from Ohio to Kentucky at the beginning of 1953. I finished my 5th grade in school at New Roe School. I went to New Roe for my 6th grade, then on to Allen County High School. I think Mr T C Simmons began his first year as principle the year I started in the 7th grade. I was just an average student. I had the potential to do much better than I did, but I suppose I wasnt sufficiently motivated. When I was in high school, 16 credits were required to graduate. I got 5 of my credits in Math. My Math was very useful to me later on when I became a tool room machinist. I also took Chemistry. In my mind, that was a total waste of time for me. I wish Id had the opportunity to take Physics instead, but I didnt. I suppose the most valuable thing that I learned in school was to read and understand what I was reading, and the ability to write and express myself. I think that I probably learned more during my high school years from reading books and magazines, in the library, than I learned from my textbooks. One incident that stands out in my mind from my high school years involved me getting in some minor trouble and being sent to Mr Simmons office. I dont recall what I had done, but I thought I might be in line for a few licks with the paddle that he kept in the side room of the office. I reported to the office and Mr Simmons was very friendly. He invited me to sit down in a chair at the end of his desk. We made small talk for a while and then he talked to me for 15 minutes or so about the American Civil War. When he was through talking about that, he asked me nicely if I would memorize Lincolns Gettysburg Address for him. I was thrilled to do so. That was much better than the paddle that I thought I might be introduced to. Now 50 plus years later, when I think about that, I am so thankful that he had me to memorize Lincolns Gettysburg Address. It caused me to understand the civil war and President Lincoln a little better, but what is equally important to me, It caused me to see Mr Simmons a lot differently. I realized that he was not interested in punishing me, but rather in motivating me to learn and do better. That was at least 55 years ago, but the memory of it is still fresh in my mind today. I will never forget T C Simmons and the interest he took in me. Even though he is long gone, he is still one of my heroes.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 14:45:31 +0000
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