Don Hancock

Grandson River James Hancock 1/19/2020

I always remember Mrs. Kammerdiener (sp?) and found her to be encouraging to me in many ways. She was so intelligent she was a little flakey, but in a good way if you understood her humor! I especially remember her calling WAHS... WHAT? High School.

I also learned a lot on debate/drama trips all over Texas with Mr. Draper. I saw life in a different light on those excursions and we always had a blast (seems like we spent a week in Sonora with the one act play contest and tournament.

Mr. O'Rear taught me all the chemistry I could stand and helped me realize the arts were my calling more than the sciences. Ms. Glossbrenner challenged me and everybody and cut no slack when we tried to be slackers. I may not have always agreed politically with her but I always appreciated her dedication to the community and her students. She and Mr. O'Rear (never dare to call him Larry!) helped identify my being organizationally challenged. They cut no slack on projects, homework, & notebooks.

I can admit that before my Junior year, as I enrolled, I met Mrs. Luigi. She helped me develop a love for music that has been a source of pleasure and strength my entire life. Years after High School, I ran into her at the Walnut Bowl Factory between Buda and Kyle on IH 35. At the time, I was drifting through life as a professional college student and she reminded me of things that mattered at 16. I understand she died with cancer several years ago, but she was a true friend at two critical times in my life. My funniest memory is having her take several of us in the choir to the auditorium and lifting us up off the ground with licks from a paddle she borrowed from Deputy Dog, oops, Mr. Morris. She brought tears to our eyes but we wouldn't let her see from embarrassment. Thinking of Mr. Morris reminds me of Mrs. Morris and they were a team throughout life. We may have made fun of him and her but they both tried to help a lot of kids who never realized their dedication.

Sadly, I also remember the many who have passed on since those days. Most of them prematurely (accidents, alcohol, & drugs). I have really been blessed. I'm financially poor, but rich in life in so many wonderful ways. Blessings to all!