Honor the impact a teacher makes

My aunt, Frances Rhodes Bullard, was a musician and a writer. But mostly she was a teacher. The oldest of 11 children, she grew up in a small, two-bedroom, shotgun-style house my grandfather built out of rough-hewn timber and fieldstone - no plumbing or electricity.

Of those times she wrote, "Our clothes were threadbare; classmates ridiculed my appearance. But I'd show them. I studied, made good grades, debated, sang, played the piano and took the leading role in school plays. I must have been one obnoxious showoff."

At an early age, Frances became determined to escape poverty. She wanted the same for her siblings. She inspired, begged and pushed them to learn as much as possible and become excellent students. Each day after school, they were then "home-schooled" by my aunt.

As her school's valedictorian, Frances was awarded some scholarship money. With additional financial help from the community, four years later, she graduated from the Asheville Teachers College - at the time an unthinkable accomplishment.

Her career spanned four decades as a public schoolteacher. I can't imagine how many students she inspired to achieve more than they ever thought possible. Also, five of her siblings went on to earn graduate degrees, and they all led successful, productive lives. Frances was the spark that fundamentally changed the trajectory of my family.

August is back-to-school time, and we are fortunate to have so many caring and excellent teachers like my aunt who are shaping their students' - really our nation's - future. Let's make sure they know how much we appreciate them.

Reed Gregory

Round Lake Beach