The first day of French class in 9th grade was terrifying. I was timid and insecure. Mr. Poudrier assigned us partners by having us pick numbers out of a hat that matched up with another person in the room. We would interview them in French with a provided list of questions. As if I wasn't nervous enough, no one else had my number and Mr. P offered to be my partner. From that moment on, everything changed. He was kind and understanding, spoke slowly, and encouraged me to be courageous about taking on new things. The details of that important day are still clear to me - he answered 'trente-quatre' when I asked him his age. (Sorry, Mr. P!)
Over the next four years, I made sure that the only French teacher I would learn from was him. He treated me like an equal, in as much as is possible with a high school student, and I looked forward to the familiarity of his classroom and presence. I won't forget his sarcasm, humor and honesty. He was my favorite teacher and role model during a very important time in my life. He is unforgettable.
-Carly Einstein
Midwood High School, Class of 1998