November 13, 2007
You'll be missed, Mr. Way
High school for me was a very rough time. Those of you that know me, know what I went through, and know that there were a select few people I can attribute with pulling me through that time. One of those great persons was lost this weekend. My 9th grade chemistry/physics teacher died suddenly of a brain tumor on Sunday. I have not seen or talked to him for over 7 years, but his death has hit me hard. I can attribute this to his enormous impact he had on my life, and saving my life, 12 years ago.
Mr. Way had a very unique personality, one of charisma, affection, passion. He truly loved his students and loved teaching, a true gift. His gift was one to encourage, to inspire, to bring out the best, all things he did frequently. For our paths having crossed only briefly, that crossing forever changed my life.
I've been watching the facebook page, and the outpouring of support from students, both past and present, as well as faculty and friends is unfathomable. To think that Mr. Way had such an impact on so many lives is both inspiring and awe inspiring. I can only hope to touch a fraction of the lives he has touched, and not just touched, but had such a large impact on.
Looking back, many memories flood in. It was Mr. Way that taught me physics, held tutoring sessions over Thanksgiving vacation to tutor his class in Chemistry, introduced me to "stories with holes", gave up a job with NASA to teach science to a bunch of teenagers, helped me through college Calculus, believed in me, even when I didn't, and gave me something to look forward to at Hempfield. His unique personality, commitment, and love is something I will always remember.