A dear friend of mine, former Chemistry Teacher/Science Dept. Chair who then became Asst. Principal at North High, resigned this past week.  It doesn't bode well for that school, since he was there for 34 years and is one of the last "old timers" to remain at that school.  He was given a going-away party and we invited some former students to the gathering to say at few words at the podium.  He would have the kids for Chemistry AP and then I would get them the following year for Biology AP.  They were the cream of the crop at North High.  I am SO proud of the kids I have had the honor to work with at North because so many have accomplished so much and have gone on to do amazing things. 

This gathering was especially rewarding because I was actually able to chat for an extended period of time with the kids (or I guess I should say men and women now!) just like we used to, instead of just exchanging an e-mail here and there every few years.

Here's some pix... 

from left to right, class of 1998 Roy and Paul.  Roy graduated UCSF and works in marketing at Pepsi.  Paul is at Harvard Business School completing his MBA in '09.  Then there is proud me:) To my left is Menemsha and Robin, class of 2001.  Menemsha graduated UCLA and is working on her Masters in Biology there (yippee!).  She completed research on anoles in Nicaragua and is currently studying unusual auditory structure in certain species of frogs. Robin graduated Loyola Maymount University and is a CPA.

And here is Tom, also class of 2001.  He is amazing.  One of my favorite all-around students in all of my 16 years of teaching.  A brilliant mind, a great sense of humor, a kind heart.  Tom graduated from Cal Tech in Mechanical Engineering and is working on his Masters at UCLA.

And here is Glen and I ~ 2 very proud teachers:)

Contact your favorite teachers ~  I bet they'd love to hear from you!