by Shelley Bennett
You know what’s the best thing about the first day of school/work after Winter Break? No, it’s not the early alarm clock and the rush to get ready instead of enjoying a second cup of coffee. And it’s not the cold car and icy windshield after the first snowstorm of 2024. It’s not even the rumbling in your stomach at 10:30 a.m. telling you that it’s time for lunch or maybe your second breakfast.
It’s the fresh-start feeling you have when you actually walk through the school doors. For once I’m not behind in my planning or grading or lists of people to contact. (I probably will be tomorrow, but…) Plus all of my students have 100% today and that feels pretty good for them and me.
2024 is going to be big. The last time I thought this was at the beginning of 2020 so I’m being cautious. (Somebody please knock on wood for me) We have a college graduation for Landon and high school for Sofia with all the trips and celebrations and recognitions crammed in between. My calendar pages for May and June are already packed, color coded, and set in stone.
There are many “lasts” as we prepare for the “firsts” to come. I am excited, sad, proud, melancholy, and filled with joy all at the same time.
Some news passed along to me this morning also made me a little nostalgic. Mr. Larry Terrill, Lassen High legend, passed away over the holidays. I know his family and friends are mourning their loss and I wanted to share some memories with them.
When I started high school in the fall of 1984, there were two teachers who stood out to me: Larry Terrill and Donna Morelini. The two of them knew how the school ran and if they didn’t, they would figure it out or make it up.
Mrs. Morelini was my PE teacher. Her class was organized and up front. You dressed out, participated, and took a shower, you got an A. If you didn’t, you didn’t get an A. You lined up on your number for roll, warmed up with the class, and chose an activity every six weeks.
It was easy. She didn’t have time for complaints or excuses, but with these boundaries you knew she cared about you. Her no nonsense approach was the standard for girls PE and athletics for many years.
Mr. Terrill was my Freshmen Orientation teacher. In Frosh O, we learned about our new school. He took us on tours, taught us the lyrics of the school song, told us where to go to get what we needed, and how to open our lockers. We also learned about health, how to do CPR, the regulations and rules for driving, and even a few weeks of Sex Ed. It really was a total education.
Mr. Terrill was also no nonsense. He called everyone by their last names, we sat in rows by alphabetical order, tests were given on scantron, and there were minimum scores you had to earn to pass. There’s no 60% in first aid or driving!
He liked to share stories of his family and crack jokes. He was so proud of his boys, JT and Jody. We might have heard a few doozies about his ex-wives.
Mr. Terrill was one of the wrestling coaches at that time and his program flourished. He even had a club, The Golden Grizzlies, for students who wanted to keep score and stats for the team.
Block L was another club that he advised. Every athlete was automatically a member and they were the biggest club on campus. They helped at Homecoming and LIT by escorting royalty and everyone has a story about the rock they were required to paint and haul around as part of their initiation.
Along with Mr. Everett Myers, Mrs. Morelini and Mr. Terrill helped each class of freshmen start successfully. You thought of them as a guide or mentor, but it was more that that. They made us feel like they were actually along on the journey with us. They praised our strengths, assisted us during challenging times, and helped us leave our legacy.
The most important topic they taught us was not the subject matter, but the traditions of Lassen High School. They emphasized being involved, whether it be on a field, as part of a club, in a school production, or as an ASB leader. We were proud to be Grizzlies and wear purple and gold.
The next year I got called out of class by Mr. Terrill on the first day of school. My paperwork was completed and I was ready for some behind-the-wheel Drivers Training! I was terrified. He should have been too.
We pulled out of the bus barn parking lot with me criss-crossing from one side of the street to the other. I had no idea the steering wheel was that responsive! Mr. Terrill gripped the dash and instructed me to pull over. I did and he told me to get out of the car. I thought it was over. I would be walking forever.
But no, we had a flat tire. He laughed and drove us back to the bus barn where Jay heard our tale of woe and started the repair.
When I returned to teach in 1998, both Larry and Donna greeted me with smiles and open arms. Again, they knew all the ins and outs of our school. Where you got your supplies. Who could make your copies. Where to find furniture for your classroom. I had a tough time calling them by their first names though! There are some teachers who are like that.
Once again, they set me on a path to be successful. I will always be grateful.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
