Colleague truly was: `To Sir ... With Love'.

COLUMN: Frankly Speaking

During the course of a long period in the educational field ... 50 years to be exact ... it was my good fortune to come across many outstanding teachers. These were outstanding in both ability and character. Regretfully, there were also a few who brought no credit to the profession. These few should never have selected teaching as a career. But I would guess any profession may have a few such "lemons," who lend no credit to their chosen career path.

Yet, on the plus side, there has always been one person who for me - and all his students - stands out in exemplary fashion during a 30-year tenure at a local area secondary school. As a person and as a teacher, anyone who was fortunate enough to have associated with him benefited by the association and was a better person with the experience. He could surely be addressed as: "To Sir ... With Love!"

While I was personally very close to this person, I realize I still was not cognizant of the many good deeds in which he was consistently involved. He was definitely not one to boast of his good deeds and preferred to remain anonymously in the background. Still, by his very demeanor and teaching ability, I am certain he still remains in the minds of hundreds of his students and co-workers as simply an outstanding person.

I was a part of the administrative team at the secondary school where we were both employed. At the beginning of each school week, very faithfully he would visit my office and slip me a few dollars with the admonition: "Please buy a lunch for any student who cannot afford a lunch." (Lunches were 25 cents at that time). I do know that today things have changed, but for my 30-year stint at this school, the principal and I would do lunch duty every day. Apparently today, teacher union contracts prevent such duty on the part of personnel ... nor would many volunteer.

Quite frankly, doing lunch duty was one of the most effective periods of the day for both the principal and for me. We saw students in a different setting and also were able to easily approach any and every student. Never did we have an incident at the cafeteria, and I know the students appreciated our interest in them.

In any case, with the funds given me by this faculty member, I would note any student not eating lunch or seated alone. He or she had either forgotten lunch money or was not eligible for the federal subsidy for various reasons. The weekly money provided by the very considerate teacher - and always with the insistence of anonymity - was welcomed by more than a few students over the years. I am also proud to comment that in the case of "forgotten lunch money," the "advance" was always repaid.

This teacher was also talented in many ways, especially musically. Like many teachers, he served as sponsor and adviser of two or three student groups. At various times, these groups would hold parties, such as Christmas, etc. He would always be available to "fund" such meetings.

Prior to every "party," he would quietly approach me and ask me to purchase all "goodies" for the party at his expense. He would then give me the money for pizza, drinks, etc., all purchases to be offered anonymously. The students always believed the funds came from school funds. To add to such generosity, with his talent, he provided personally wonderful music for the occasion.

Sadly, one of our very fine students once became physically injured and required many special needs. Almost daily, this teacher took the time after the school closing bell to drive this student to many appointments for needed physical care. This continued for years.

As mentioned previously, I was not privy to his other kindnesses over the years. But I am certain there were many. In his own quiet manner, he had a profound and beneficial effect on many students and members of the community. There will never be another like him. To know him was simply to love him. He embodied everything that makes a great teacher and person. He deserved the respect of "Sir" and the love of everyone.

Frank Lepore is a former longtime West Boylston educator.