Mr. James Hayden, our beloved FTHS principal, taught me that we need to always ensure our names become a symbol for success as we embrace those ideals that help make our lives a success story. Now most of you know that I have triumphed over the effects of cerebral palsy and a hearing loss. During my first year at FTHS in the mid 1980s, when JJ was our principal, one of the senior jocks lifted me up during lunch and dropped me in the cafeteria garbage can, then paraded me around the school cafeteria. In the era before cell phones, iPods, and even the Internet, this was classic bullying as we all know it. That day, I immediately went to JJs office to let him know what was going on, but I added that I did not want to get the jock in trouble. Unknown to me, JJ suspended the jock for the next three days. Fast-forward 24 years, and this same former jock sends me an message on Facebook, profusely apologizing for his actions back in high school, also asking for my forgiveness. He did not add me as a friend, but instead requested that I add him if I forgave him. I smiled and immediately clicked Add Friend because people can change when they become educated about the differences we all share. Those differences should always be celebrated, never ridiculed. But most importantly, JJ also taught me that forgiveness has always been a sign of strength, and never a sign of weakness. Ill never forget that lesson. It has become among the most important lessons that I share with students today. I think I speak for many here when I am still very much heartbroken over JJs passing. We all lost a family member who was loved and adored by all. But as long as we continue to share warm memories of JJ with our family and friends, his spirit continues to be alive in our hearts. Godspeed, JJ. Our community continues to salute your tireless dedication to your students and the life lessons you taught every one of us. Thank you for also being our friend, role model, and Hero. Always in our hearts.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 03:54:55 +0000
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