I was so happy to receive this request. I have two teachers to thank. My name is Shalewa Aiken Smith, and I was an Astor student at PS 124 in Queens from 1976 - 1984.
My kindergarten teacher Mrs. Pearl Borzym had to be the SWEETEST kindergarten teacher EVER! I was in her class during the 1977 – 1978 school year. She took such good care of us, and I remember her being a mother figure to all of her students. She was always graceful and calm-natured, just like the swans she loved to tell us about. She made the transition to elementary school a smooth ride for all of her “babies." I remember her attire was always impeccable even though she was coming to teach a class full of four and five year olds.
My fifth grade teacher was Ms. Sharon Farley (McCourt is her married name from what I hear). I was in her class during the 1982 – 1983 school year. Ms. Farley always carried herself with elegance and was such an example of being a “lady”. We would have “healthy snack” time every day and she would play classical music for us. That was my first introduction to Bach and Beethoven. Although she carried herself in a very elegant fashion, she was also stern. She did not allow any of us to run over her. I appreciate that so much.
Our children today, boys and girls, truly need to see these types of role models. I was blessed to have Mrs. Borzym and Ms. Farley (among many other wonderful teachers) during my elementary school years.
Thank you for this opportunity.
-Shalewa Smith
Former Student