"He'd have 25 kids going in 25 different directions. But he knew each direction the children were heading in and exactly where he wanted each of them to end up."
-James Lucia, assistant principle of the Meridith G. Williams Middle School
For the most part I will keep my posts unbiased and fairly professional. Although I will occasionally make personal posts on people who I have met and who have inspired me personally. This is a very personal entry dedicated to a man who taught me more about myself than any other teacher could: Mr. George H. Mitchell.
For anyone who knew Mr. Mitchell, you know what an amazing and inspiring man he was to all he met, especially his students. For those of you who did not have the privilege of knowing him, George Mitchell was a fifth grade teacher in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He was well-known for his fun-loving personality and the disco ball hanging from his classroom ceiling. Mr. Mitchell's classroom held 30 refurbished computers, one for each of his students. He affectionately called his students the "Mitchell's Monsters", telling them "once a Monster, always a Monster".
He had served in the coast guard for five years, during which he earned the title of Lieutenant. Mr. Mitchell also held a bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Bridgewater State College. He was the president of the Bridgewater-Raynham Education Association, a former member of the School Committee and actively supported local youth sports. His dedication and passion for teaching and his students was evident to the entire community, and was always willing to reach into his own pocket for his students, even to the point of paying for children's class pictures if he knew their family was having financial troubles.
A cancer patient almost 30 years ago, George had struggled with the effects of his treatment, but volunteered as a counselor for others who were suffering from cancer themselves. He never thought he would live to see his four children graduate high school, but lived to see the birth of his first grandchild.
Unfortunately, George passed away in his home on Monday May 20, 2002 at the age of fifty-six. Following his death, a former student petitioned students and faculty to rename the Bridgewater Elementary School to the George H. Mitchell Elementary School. Future generations will not have the honor of being taught by Mr. George H. Mitchell but he will forever be remembered and honored for his passion for teaching and his love for his students for all those who pass through his school.
"Once a Monster, always a Monster."
Sources:
Brockton Enterprise - May 20, 2002; Pages B1, B3, B11
