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June
4, 2006
Lacy,
I attended Jeddy Stern’s graduation reception in
Lincoln last night and surprisingly learned of
your death. My heart aches as I think of you and
the impact you had on me as a new teacher 10
yrs. ago. You were one of my former students
that I often thought about over time. Often
asking myself questions like: Is Lacy still
attending school in Lincoln? Is she focused on
what is essential for her own life? Will she
invite me to her graduation ceremony? If
you remember I would often remind you that even
though you were a fourth grader, the focus
should be on graduating from high school in
2006. As an adult, I knew that most 10 yr. olds
were hearing me, but not actually able to see
the forest through the trees.
You were a student that was wiser than most 10
year olds. You were smart, funny, tenacious,
kind, and willing to learn just about anything.
One of my fondest memories, is that you liked to
hang around after school and talk about content
that was covered in the classroom. We could have
deeper conversations about books, math, Odyssey
of the Mind, and topics that most of your peers
were developmentally unable to grasp. A
teacher’s greatest gift is when they learn from
their students. You taught me a great deal in
that short school year at Brownell Elementary.
After reading your obituary and viewing your
web-site, I am confident that you lived your
life to the fullest. Not surprising you have
impacted a huge amount of people. My questions
stated above have been answered, you were doing
all of those things that were essential for your
own life. You were a learner, sister, daughter,
friend, and above all beautiful human being that
will be remembered forever. Ironically, today, I
will be attending my nephew’s graduation
reception from Northeast high school. You are in
my thoughts and I will celebrate your life. I
will miss you!
Mr. G. (Jeff Gilbertson, principal of Starr
Elementary in Grand Island, NE)
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