Thank You, Ms. Palmer

How many of us say the name of a teacher when asked about someone who had a significant impact in our lives? Outside of my mother, the most significant contributors were all teachers. From Ms. Palmer in Grade 3, to Ms. Waite in Grade 4, to Mr. Louttit in Grade 7, and Mr. Marshall in high school, some amazing educators who have helped to shape the person I am today.

They were separated by as much as 10 years and 6000 km, but they had several things in common: they were committed to their profession, held high expectations of their students, and most importantly, cared about you as a person. UNESCO created World Teacher Day in 1994 in recognition of the fundamental importance that teachers play in the lives of young people, and by extension, society as a whole. I am very aware that there are still children around the world who do not have the benefit of committed, demanding, and loving teachers in their lives, so I will count myself lucky to have had four such heroes.

As I say to our Abbotsford grads every year, if you have not done so recently, make the effort to reach out to the teacher who has had the greatest impact in your life and thank them, not just for their care for you, but for their contribution to humankind.

- Kevin