Letter to the editor

Editor,

It is not every day that people find someone that will go beyond the normal duties of their job. That is not the case that many people have found in Mr. Norman Rowden.

I first came to know Mr. Rowden when he began his career at Chandler Elementary as a third grade teacher. My daughter, Holly, was privileged to be placed in his classroom. He was n excellent role model and a "father figure" to look up to since she didn't see her father on a daily basis. His class was always so neatly decorated. It was obvious that he took pride in his profession.

He showed up to early basketball games for his students. Several times, we saw him at the baseball field and soccer games just to make rounds to cheer students on. The smile on the children's faces when they saw Mr. Rowden giving them a "thumbs up" was priceless. Many of these students didn't have other family members to show their support, but they always saw Mr. Rowden would be there to encourage them to do their best.

In 2006, my son, Jered, also had Mr. Rowden as his teacher. What a fun year. Mr. Rowden would tell them wonderful stories about life lessons. My son told me that Mr. Rowden was his best friend.

Last year we moved to Longview to be closer to my work. The children adjusted and did well in their new school. The summer finally came and my father's cancer came back. My children were very close to their grandfather. He was a minister so our family had a lot of faith that we would see him again. Starting back to school this year would be rough. My son asked if I could call Mr. Rowden. I made the call and left a brief message.

The funeral visitation was crowded with family and people from various churches where my father had ministered. In the distance, standing there waiting patiently to see Jered was Kilgore's own "Mr. Rowden." He had driven all the way to Longview just to give a kind word to a former student and tell him to keep his chin up. I can't begin to tell you what this meant to my son. It made dealing with grief a little easier.

I hope the school board can recognize this teacher and give him honor for being such a great teacher, mentor, role model and friend to all the students and our community.

Mr. Rowden embodies all of the attributes of what an educator should strive to be. In my opinion, he is a hero. Respectfully, Kelly Kerby Longview