Blog 375 – 08.15.2016

John Travolta achieved fame before the movies Saturday Night Fever and Grease as Vinnie Barbarino, one of the Sweat Hogs in the TV sitcom, Welcome Back Kotter, about a public high school in Brooklyn, New York. Kotter was a teacher who made a difference in the lives of his students. October Sky, Dead Poet Society, and Good-bye, Mr. Chips are three other movies among many that pay tribute to caring teachers who made a positive difference in the lives of their students.

I would like to pay tribute to Don Crane, a teacher who made such a difference in my life. I first met Don Crane in Middle School which was called Junior High back then. He a was an art and drama teacher at East Lake Junior High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

For some reason Don went out of his way to fan the artistic flame in a shy boy. He encouraged me in art class and to participate in school plays and events. Because he believed in me I began to believe in myself and consider possibilities that I might never have otherwise. I am a speaker, writer, singer/songwriter today because Don Crane helped me to see that everyone of us has something inside us to share.

The summer between junior high and high school I had my tonsils out and Don came to visit me after the surgery and gave me a science fiction book as a get well gift. He is without a doubt one of my favorite teachers and friends. He taught me a lot more about being the best me than he did art or acting and for that I am his forever fan.

My hat is off to Don Crane and teachers everywhere making the effort to make a positive difference in the lives of their students.

Your friend and fellow traveler,
David White