School Story:
It hasn't been lost upon me that many high-school memories posted here centered around Tony Ruggieri, a one-of-a-kind! I've never met anybody like him before or since. Think about it ... a teacher whose pasttime was standing in the hallway between classes and harassing as many people as he can ...
Here's the interesting thing. Of all my high-school teachers, I think he's probably had the biggest effect on my career.
The first newspaper article I ever wrote was for the Arcadian Reed under his guidance. He also taught the first college course I ever took, college English, and was actually a very effective teacher. I remember sharing with him my interest in studying journalism in college, and he was very supportive. One-on-one, he was quite a caring individual. Those things do make a difference when you're a high-schooler who could have stood some more self-confidence, as was the case with me.
That's another thing I have to chuckle about. I wasn't the type of person to make waves in high school; by and large I was just kind of there ... pretty shy and unsure of myself. Seeing an adult acting so outrageously (with strong honorable mention to Paul Hardmeyer!), I think, helped bring me out of my shell. I gradually evolved into an extrovert and I'm sure Tony Ruggieri was a contributor in that social development.
Now I wish I could track some of my high-school teachers down and let them know I appreciated what they did for me. I haven't spoken one word to Mr. Ruggieri since I graduated, but while helping put this reunion together learned that he was quite ill with lung cancer. He passed away a few months later.
