Knox County Academy Reunion

Me, Bob Sheehan, Matt Warnsing, and Gay Johnson

The group that once manned the Knox County Academy met once again last Friday evening at Hammer's in Galesburg. With my imminent departure South, this represents the last time we will most likely be together. KCA was richly rewarding and gave me an opportunity to work with troubled kids again. I thank Gay for her perceptive recognition of talent when I came knocking looking for work.

Everyone has gone their own way since then. Bob is subbing for area schools although he made a great showing in the recent mayoral race. Bob showed infinitely more patience and ramrod dedication in dealing with troubled kids than he had a right to. He taught with passion and veracity and those students who failed to take notice are surely the worse for doing so.

Matt, photographer of lazy squirrels, and his wife teach. Matt, by the way, is one of the best teachers I have ever had the privilege to see. Calm, measured, with humor tinging his seriousness, he warrants a principalship and I hope he gets it soon. Just about the time you think teachers are overpaid, and just going through the motions after being beat down by paperwork and bureaucracy, along comes someone like Matt.

And then there is Gay, who works in the Knoxville school still doing something vague and unique. The groups' crusading leader, she led by example, and displayed an openness to ideas, and suggestions that was refreshing. Eternally bubbly, my friend and former Peace Corp worker made us all better by her presence. Good luck Principal/Boss, and thanks for a lot of laughs, thought-provoking conversations and a chance to do work that truly rewards the soul.

Bye guys.

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