I am writing to you today about my 5th grade teacher, Valerie E. Di Veglio. I guess it would seem cute if I were 12 or 13 but I am 41, and so I believe the impact she had on me is evident. 31 years later..
Valerie is still a teacher at my elementary school, P.S. 177, in Brooklyn. On the last day of school in the 4th grade, I received my report card , eagerly looked on the back and read class 5-406, Miss Ercolino. NOT HER anybody but HER! She had a reputation of being very stern. The rumors amongst my peers was she made you carry 5 notebooks!!! And, there were many reports, and we could not use pen. No pen in 5th grade? Who was this monster???
The summer went on, my world did not end as I was sure it would. I returned to school in September, cried and refused to go into the classroom. My mother, the PTA president at the time, struck up a deal with the newly married Mrs. Di Veglio. I became her class monitor, I was to show up to school early and help her set up in the morning. This was in hopes of me getting over my fear.
When I was 28 my father passed away. I had prepared a eulogy. I could not do it, I did not have the strength. I called Valerie and expressed this to her. Valerie spoke to me on the phone sternly and calmly expressed how she believed in me and that she knew this was something I could do. This is how she was in the classroom as well. I arrived at church and was I was getting ready to stand at the podium, as I approached and stood up still unsure if I could do this, I watched Valerie come into church, walk down the aisle and take her place beside me holding my hand at the podium. This is who she is.
Valerie has endured many hardships when a tragedy struck her husband. She remained strong and kept her family strong as well. Valerie has and still does go beyond her responsibilities as teacher.
I would love to see her honored for who she is and what she has taught me as a person.
-Sabrina Gossett
Former Student, PS 177K