Teacher Is Praised, and Finally Named

In my many years as a teacher I have encountered several fine and dedicated teachers, but there is one individual who is such a cut above and so exceptional that he is in a class by himself. You covered his class project in December when it launched the Mesa shuttle. Your coverage was excellent in every respect--except you did not mention the teacher’s name.

Now Scott Stark’s class has been chosen to represent the state of California in the national NASA “name the Challenger replacement shuttle.” His name should be in lights for the year-in and year-out teaching he does. He inspires, motivates and excites all students to truly achieve their best. He does not forget students when they leave his classroom. He follows their high school and college careers with involved interest and guidance of class selection and career opportunities.

Most of all, he makes those people believe they can achieve the impossible. Now the state knows of him, and I’m convinced the country will as well when the winner is announced in May. For now your paper needs to recognize him by name: Scott Stark, Mesa View sixth-grade teacher.

JUDY M. SCHWANTES

Huntington Beach