Inspire, Fall 2004

Inspire 11 A t this year’s luncheon on July 12, Sandra Millikin Entner ’59 spoke on the theme “How does your garden grow?” She shared with the women her love of flowers and how she got started in gardening. Sandy went on to talk about elements that make a garden grow. She spoke of the importance of preparing and pruning a garden and of patiently waiting for new plants to bloom. She also touched on the necessity of planting flowers in specific places where they will thrive, whether in the sun or the shade. Sandy developed her theme by stating that God is the Master Gardener. He prunes and weeds our lives, is patient with us, and has a special niche for each of us where we will thrive the best. “As educators, I don’t think you will know all whom you have nurtured,” concluded Sandy. “It’s such a special gift to be able to teach young people, and I hope you realize you are master gardeners, too.” Following Sandy’s presentation, Faith Linn ’83 asked the ladies to determine the collective number of years spent teaching. From the oldest teacher, Bernice Bryant Roberts ’32, to the youngest, Danette Allen Phillips ’00, there was a total of 511 years of teaching represented! The women began to reminisce about their years of teaching and shared many stories throughout the afternoon. Jane Kendig McVey ’51 taught in a one-room schoolhouse and was responsible for making sure a fire was started each morning so the classroom would be warm enough for the children when they arrived. “I paid an eighth grade boy $5 a month to come and start the fire every day before school,” she said. Doris Ramsey Bovard ’41 remembers receiving just $72 a month when she first started teaching. Her contract stated that even if the school was unable to pay her, she was still required to teach. The teachers also recalled the gifts students would bring to them to show their appreciation. Janice Finke Morris ’42 said that students sometimes gave her homemade lard sandwiches or apples. Glenna Ackerman Thompson ’37 fondly remembered “fruit rolls.” The students would plan together to bring fruit to school, and sometime during the day one student would signal the others. Apples and oranges would start rolling down the aisles to the front of the room as a surprise for the teacher! The alumnae also spoke highly of Cedarville student teachers and graduates. Several mentioned how they thoroughly appreciated having student teachers from Cedarville because they were always well-prepared to teach. They also said that Cedarville graduates were able to find jobs due to the excellent training they received at the University. In recalling some favorite aspects of teaching, Geraldine Henry ’34 said she would write a new phrase or quote on the blackboard each week. One of her favorites was one she would write at the end of the year as the students were finishing up their studies: “Time passes, but will you?” Finally, many women mentioned their love for their students. Robinette Williams Prine ’39 said she loved her pupils and enjoyed watching them learn and achieve. Wilmet Ackerman Wilson ’36 summed up the comments when she said, “I’m still quoting what I have heard children say throughout the years. You can learn a lot from them.” Heritage Corner Heritage Alumnae Educators Luncheon Yields Fond Memories On a stormy August 4, a group of Heritage alumni enjoyed a buffet luncheon and a presentation of Fiddler on the Roof at LaComedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro, Ohio. Heritage at LaComedia