Thank you, Barry . . .

Last night was graduation, one of those events that mark the end of another school year. Terry and staff did another wonderful job to make this a memorable evening for the graduates and their family and friends. It was also an opportunity for Barry Fountain to address the graduates one last time as he was elected by the seniors to be the staff speaker. In his usual creative and energetic way he did not disappoint. He gave an inspiring talk; shared personal experiences, used visuals, engaged the students, and left them with a message of hope through identifying and pursuing their aspirations.

Barry has for many years been an inspiration to hundreds of young people who have had the privilege of being in his classroom. I believe that in his career students have come to see him as one of the most respected teachers in the history of Tahoma High School. He is and has been a Classroom 10 thinker and doer. His knowledge, skills, energy, and enthusiasm for our profession and for young people will be missed. I don’t know that one person can replace this combination of gifts that he has shared with us.

Check out this Facebook page that was created by Chanse Pierson for the 590 current and past students to share their thoughts of Barry the teacher and the person.

THANK YOU Barry for being an inspiration to me that we can influence the lives of young people in positive ways and that Classroom 10 can be a powerful vehicle to attach students to learning in our classrooms.