June - another school year comes to a close. Award assemblies honor athletes and scholars, yearbooks are dedicated and lives changed. It is always a good time to reflect and appreciate education. Recent Port Byron Hall of Fame inductee Herbert Marshall shared the influence that Carl Stevens had and continues to have on his life. I have previously written to thank the teachers who encouraged me to read, explore life and love learning in Port Byron: Mrs. Holdridge, Mrs. Howell, Miss Campbell, Miss VanAcora, Mr. Locastro, Mr. Miskell, Mr. Zubon, Miss Kennedy, The Albericis, Miss Krayka, Mrs. Brunell, Mr. Ottman - all shining lights in my life.

I was no less inspired by my college instructors. Auburn Community College, now Cayuga Community, has boasted some outstanding teachers. I have been privileged to know and learn from many of them. Blaine Moody had the skill to inspire. He encouraged reading and interpreting and discussion far beyond our experiences. He demanded writing excellence and the further skill to edit, to continue editing and editing again and still more to hone each writing example. Dan Schultz opened new pathways to history, literally from the ground up #- his Lincolnesque stature and passion for the 'ologies' electrified his classrooms. I celebrate retired, part-time instructor Mr. McDonald, who finally convinced us that indeed he knew 10 ways to teach any mathematical concept and he was willing to share them all! Groveling in stream-beds, caves and dirt piles taught me more than I thought I ever wanted to know about earth science #- thank you Professor Steenburgh - we miss you. Dr. Greer not only shared his knowledge, but opened his classroom to community leaders who brought insights and understanding of local issues and concerns. And although I #“escaped#” Professor Robert Brunell, his firm direction guided scores of Port Byron children through academia.

SUNY Oswego also had impassioned teachers. Dr. Black's insistence on perfection to the micromillimeter was refreshing, annoying and impossible, but we learned and performed to her standards. Then the college re-hired one of the finest teachers I will ever meet ( Professor David Faux apparently taught 18 hours a day) he was in the computer lab at 7 a.m., continued with a peanut butter sandwich in his hand at 1 p.m. and was still there at 10 p.m. His commitment and excitement reverberated in the classrooms, in the labs and down the hall.

He inspired, cajoled, drove and encouraged students to succeed. His joy in solving a computer glitch and his awe for design and communication excellence were contagious.

Each teacher in these 1950 Port Byron yearbook photos was important and touched lives. Thank you all.

Joni Lincoln is the town of Conquest historian