There have been people throughout my life who had a huge impact on who I am today. One who had a huge influence on my life was a high school teacher who passed away last week. Mr. McLamore came to Westlake High School just out of college for his first year of teaching. He had an amazing wife. They were both so young, so full of life, so devoted to each other. It was a small town, a small school and everyone knew everything about every one.
Chemistry was not a required class but Mr. McLamore was teaching it so I took it and by the time that year was over, I was in love with science. He made learning fun; he took a real interest in every student. We all knew we had an advocate in Mr. McLamore.
Between my junior and senior year of high school, I was able to take summer classes at the local college. I signed up for Biology and Microbiology and then was told that, as an Early Admissions student, I could only take 6 hours during the summer. I’m not sure what I did or said but I convinced the advisor to let me take Biology and Microbiology and by the time that summer was over, I was majoring in Biology!
Mr. McLamore spent years in education and I can only imagine how many people’s lives were enriched from having had him as a teacher, mentor and friend. Both he and his wife worked hard to better the communities in which they lived and worked. He will be remembered as a very special person by so many!
Most of my friends on Facebook are friends from my hometown and mostly, friends from high school. This week, so many of them have commented on what Mr. McLamore meant to them. So many years ago and I still remember looking so forward to his class and wanting to be a Biology and Chemistry teacher and make it fun for others to learn.
We need more Mr. McLamores in the world today. He will be missed greatly by his wife, two children, grandchildren and his community. I’m glad I had the chance to know him!
Dorothy Matheson says
A very lovely tribute to a man who must have been special indeed.
Sara Fridley says
What a nice tribute to a special teacher. I had a couple of HS teachers who had that kind of impact on me too, and were what caused me to also spend decades in education. As a HS teacher we don’t often know until many years later what kind of impact we might have actually had.
Carolyn says
What a thoughtful, kind tribute to your former teacher. I hope you post it where his family can see it!
Cindy F says
What a nice tribute to your teacher. It’s always wonderful to hear about the impact a good teacher can have.
Nelle Coursey says
I have a feeling there are many more that he influenced in his career. I have known teachers like that also.