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Harts High Class of 2000

MY LIONS

This page is dedicated to my " Young Lions". Harts High School's Class of 2000. In my teaching career,I have never experienced a more loving,compassionate, and hard working group of kids. You were unique and special from the  day you first walked into my class as seventh grade students. It will be very hard to release you all into the"big ol' world",but you've matured  too much to stay.As the old  saying goes,"If you love someone,let them go." But it will be  lonesome around here. I hope you exceed my expectations(and you all know  I have very high expectations), and I hope the world learns to appreciate my "special" kids . Remember, you have a conscience;listen to it.You have all learned your lessons;don't forget them. You ARE  the "BEST OF THE BEST" ; and are by that title ,obligated to repay us all for  trusting in you to make this world a better place.Above all,kids, remember to have some fun with your life and  don't ever forget who loves you

" If I could , I would teach each child to be positive, to smile,to love and be loved. I would teach each child to take time to observe some miracle of nature,the song of a bird,the beauty of a snowflake,the orange glow of a winter sunset. I would teach each child to feel warmly about the peers for whom the task of learning does not come easily. i would teach each one to be kind to all living creatures,to crowd out of their lives feelings of guilt,misunderstanding the lack of compassion. I would teach each child that it is ok to show their feelings ,by laughing,crying,or by touching someone they care about. Everyday,I would have each child feel special and through actions , each one would know how much I really care." written by : Mrs Rogene N. Penny (according to an e-mail informant)

Justin : You've been given  gifts which are very hard to  deal with : you are a "feeler" in transition. The world can be very hard to deal with if you can't "toughen-up" and realize that you can't   bear the burden for life's  tragedies. You're a bright wonderful person with a  great future open to you. Because of your gifts , you're one of the best writers I've ever had in class. Don't waste your talents . They're there ; you just haven't gained enough confidence to see them ,yet.

Mandy : You don't  think  any of us will miss you , and you know why ! But sometimes the people who cause so much problems just  manage to " worm " their way into your heart. I see a promise in you. You have writing talent and self-assurance that can't be taught. I only hope you'll not waste all the things that I see  in you that'll make you happy. Make me proud , go to school, and find yourself a place in this big old world. There's one out there just waiting for you.

Jeff

Jac ; You'll never know how proud I am of  the advances I've watched you make (on your own) toward gaining confidence in your own self- worth. I always knew you had it all , but it took you awhile to figure it out ; but you did.  Most importantly , you like your own company and are satisfied with or without other people. Remember ,it doesn't matter if you STILL can't put together a puzzle ; you know how to put together life and be independent. You are my practical , logical , fun-loving , mystical dreamer. A  living contridiction  ... a brilliant  air-head .. multi-talented . Yet , with you , they blend beautifully. You are ready to fly , and you will.

Toby :  My most complicated lion . You tell me that you still don't know what you're going to do after you graduate ; but with your God-given intelligence , you are obligated to do something. You have a perceptive  instinctive  nature that would really be beneficial if you'd put it to practice in the job  market.You need respect  and challenges ; go out in the world and get both.Your arrogance and confidence is needed. You are from the stock that can  move mountains...after you get the desire and patience to do so ; you will . Jeff : Your  meticulous work habits will bring you nothing but  high -praise from whomever you work for ! You've always shown a maturity and responsibility that was far advanced for your age. I admire your ability to set goals and meet requirements to reach those goals. Another plus is your awesome  personality and sense of humor. You are belssed in  your natural ability to "fit in" with any group  . Keep smiling. It is magic.

Click to see what she's doing now

James : You didn't play baseball or basketball , but you could have;you might have excelled at sports,but  YOU made the decision not to participate.That's when I knew you were growing up. You are my logical thinker...the peacemaker..the most compassionate and trustworthy "secret -keeper" of my boys. I hope to live long enough to see how you "turn out". With your potential, you can have any kind of life you want.

Crystal : My brightest star. I could never push you any harder than you push yourself. You just love a challenge. Well, Bug, your greatest one lies ahead. Gotta learn some patience ,sweet girl.The best things are worth waiting for , and somewhere out there , someone special is waiting for you. No matter what Walt Whitman said, it still hurts that you "out grew" me so soon. I'll never get another one like you. But I'll always remember that I was lucky enough to have been blessed...once.

Adam :You've been the best of "my kids" to remain constant. You've remained the mannerly , sweet, caring , and handsome boy that  you were six years ago.You've  also retained your great sense of humor and  personality. These two traits combined with your  great work  habits will make you an important part of society. You will always be an important part of my heart.

Me and James Scott

Amy : You are the most  well- rounded person I've ever met. You've been gifted with  a practical  and bright way of seeing the world.Keep your high morals . You'll never be sorry. We know what a great basketball player you are. You matured enough to know that  it wasn't the direction you needed for your life to take.I'm really proud of you for chosing your path and sticking to it. Still wish I'd got to spend more time with you in jr. high.

J. T. : I'll sure miss your  great sense of humor. You've worked very hard to prove that you are bright. Hope the Marines know what a treasure they're getting. You're the hardest working student  I ever had in class. All you needed was confidence. Never forget that you're important... because you are .

J.T. and  his  Bub

Josh , I see a kind heart and promise in you. If you'll ever learn to be the leader instead of the follower. You will make a very good marine, and I hope you'll always be the awesome guy you are now.

Me and my Jacqui-girl

Josh, You were our "project". You could have gone "either way". I saw something special in you in the 7th grade and  even though it has been a lot of work  fighting  through that stubborness of yours (and by swamping you in our group of high achievers). We forced you to stay on the right track. I am very proud of you. You have come a long way since 7th grade . You are a leader just waiting for the chance to lead. The Army is lucky to have you, and I know your pap-paw is proud that you enlisted..

Fran, Through out this year I have come to appreciate your role in this wonderful class. You're a competitor and work hard to stay in the top half of this class. You kept Adam on his toes. Without you who would he have complained about?

Kris, I hope one day you realize how beautiful and talented you are. Everyone else already knows it. Thank you for having a great personality and a big compassionate heart and most of all, I love your honesty and that awesome smile!