Andy Warhol was famous for, among other things, stating that everybody enjoys 15 minutes of fame. If that’s true, then this school year has been my extended 15 minutes. Ever since I announced my retirement this past autumn, I have been more popular than I have ever been in my life. It started with both teachers and students giving me unsolicited testimonials as to how good I am. Next came the whining from both students and teachers not to leave, followed immediately by the Facebook group “We Love RS and Want Him To Stay At PHS.” This was followed by the AAC’s decision to sell tee shirts with my picture on them, which students and teachers are both buying!

Then Monday was the NHS induction, at which I was the main speaker, and which was another egotrip with the Board of Ed president telling me I am the best teacher in the district, the advisor telling me how much my students love me, and so many other flattering remarks.

I fully realize that much of this is a reaction to my retirement, and that when I am gone next year it will be the traditional “out of sight, out of mind” situation. But I would be lying if I did not admit how flattering all this has been, although I hope it does not damage my ego too badly. Hopefully, although it might be too late for that already, hehe.