Teachers are some of the most important people in a child’s life. A single teacher who makes a lasting impression on a child can influence that child life in many ways, even holding enough sway to guide one’s chosen career path.

L’Observateur recently received the following letter from a former St. John the Baptist Parish resident whose life was deeply touched by a teacher.

Is it ever too late to talk about someone who made a difference in your life?

Jack Snowdy was my AP English teacher in my senior year (1966-67) at Leon Godchaux High School in Reserve. And 43 years later, I’m remembering what a great teacher he was! He challenged us to read, and the great books he assigned added meaning to my young mind. It opened me to new realms of thought and expression. He was THE teacher that treated us as young adults, holding us accountable, praising our progress, celebrating our achievements, rewarding our completions with in-class screenings of the movie versions of the books. Through his example he taught us legitimate leadership — the kind of leadership that cares!

Most memorable for me was the reading assignment “Kings Row,” and the line in the movie by the character played by Ronald Reagan, that Reagan used as the title of one of his books, “Where’s the rest of me?!?” It was a love story; a tragedy; but more importantly for me, it was a coming-of-age book in many ways. And Mr. Snowdy made it come to life. I remember his questions about what the story meant to us, about the messages the story provides about life and love and fate. And how important strength of character is in dealing with the things life seems to throw at us. Adversity doesn’t build character; it reveals it!

These many years later, I’m a corporate trainer (and executive and leadership coach). As I developed in my career it became increasingly clear to me the high character, competence, integrity, and commitment that Jack Snowdy brought to the classroom and the impact that has had on me and (I’m sure) my fellow students!

Mr. Snowdy has long passed this life, and his legacy lives on in the community in many ways. But for me, his legacy is shared with the many people whose lives I now have the opportunity to impact as they develop into the kind of leaders that I saw in Jack Snowdy!

Is it ever too late to recognize someone who has had such an impact? I certainly hope not!

– Keller H. “Skipper” Wilson

Magee, Miss.

While it really is never too late to recognize a teacher for the impact they have made on one’s life, letting them know while they are still alive or, better yet, still teaching might just be the thing they need to feel a renewed sense of purpose in their chosen profession.

Local residents now have the opportunity to do just that with L’Observateur’s Teacher Appreciation Awards.

To take advantage of this all you need to do is send your nominations, including the teacher’s name, school, grade and subject along with a one or two paragraph statement about what makes them such a special educator to lobnews@bellsouth.net or 116 Newspaper Drive, LaPlace, LA 70068. Don’t forget to include your name and phone number or e-mail address just in case we have any questions.

Teachers do so much more than what can be measured by any test. Let them know how valuable they are.