Stirrin' Up Excitement in Bearcat Country

Hi, Everyone!

It’s about that time again up here in Bearcat Country—we are just three weeks away from the 148^th Rust College Commencement. Even though I’ve got two years until I walk that aisle, I gotta say that I am very excited for the Class of 2014. Y’all should see how they’re all scurrying around the campus, making sure that all of I’s are dotted and their T’s are crossed. I wonder if that’s gonna be me in two years? I pray that I have all of my academic affairs in order, because I don’t want to be caught slippin’ at the very last minute. Seriously, y’all—I’ve heard stories about how some seniors were denied graduating on account of one class… one class, y’all! And from what I’ve been told, this has happened on more than one occasion. Now, I do realize that it’s all hearsay and that folks do make up stuff just to scare you, but I’m not taking any chances; I’m gonna make damn sure that I’m on my P’s and Q’s so that I can hear my name called out as I am handed my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.

And speaking of accolades, that brings to mind yet another accomplishment of mine that took place just this afternoon. Guess who made the Dean’s List for the second year in a row? I’ll give y’all three clues: She is a petite four feet eleven inches tall, her favorite color is lavender, and she’s sometimes known as Vipress… that’s right, y’all! I am happy to report that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, made the Dean’s List for the 2013-14 school year. I’m not the only one—Ruby made the Dean’s List as well, but we gotta give credit where credit is due. You see, our homey Neo Theo made the President’s List… he’s such a smartypants! And I will admit that I coerced Ruby to starting a “Neo Theo” chant, but Ruby insisted that we do that after the ceremony ended… hahaha!

 

Well, that’s all the news that I have for today, but I shall holla at y’all real soon. Until then, y’all take care, and remember to keep a sista in your prayers.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Reflecting on the Sapp Hall of Fame Ceremony



The legends of Sapp Elementary, with Principal Wilson (centered in black and silver).



Happy Friday, Everybody!

Well, like I promised y’all yesterday, I’ve got a greaten for today—just go ahead and check it out!

Even though we are twenty-four days into this new year, I must reflect on Saturday evening, December 21, 2013. It was on that aforementioned night that Sapp Elementary had their Hall of Fame ceremony, thus honoring five great legendary teachers who made their mark in the lives and hearts of every Sappster. What made this night so special for my family was that my Uncle Anthony was chosen and volunteered to accept an award on behalf of my Grampa Clark. And I must also make mention of Grampa Clark’s colleagues: Mrs. Betty Bradley, who taught Second Graders for fourteen years; Mr. Mike Thundera, who taught Eighth Graders for twenty-three years; Mrs. Cynthia Harvey, who taught First Graders for twenty-seven years; and Mr. Hal Arthur, who taught Third Graders for thirty-six years.

What I loved the most about this ceremony was that Mr. Arthur, Mrs. Harvey, Mr. Thundera, and Mrs. Bradley acknowledged my Grampa Clark in their appreciation speeches—and why not? I mean, after all, he was their colleague… or as they all said it, he was their big brother. I also liked how each legend mentioned the children; as a matter of fact, it was Mr. Arthur who said it best: “A real teacher gives a damn about the kids, regardless of whatever!”

Oh, and I should also point out that the Sapp Elementary Family saved Grampa Clark for last. As a matter of fact, when Mr. D got up to induct Grampa Clark, everyone in the Promenade Room at Marina Del Rey Marriott began to cheer. Finally, Uncle Anthony stood up and accepted the Hall of Fame Award, and in doing so, gave such a heartfelt speech that it felt like Grampa Clark was sitting right in that room with us all.

Uncle Anthony talked about the sacrifices and the dedication that it takes to being a loyal teacher—after all, he himself teaches Eighth Graders at Robert L. Johnson Elementary. Well, anyway, Uncle Anthony talked about how Grampa Clark would come home virtually every day with stories about a “fresh-faced youngster who made his day that much sweeter.” Finally, after accepting the Hall of Fame award, Uncle Anthony concluded his speech by holding up the award and declaring a la Grampa Clark: “You betta know that’s right!”

Suffice to say, it was a very beautiful ceremony, and I am glad that I was able to witness it. And I already know that Cousin Lionel, Cousin Calvin, and Cousin Matthew were all extra thrilled to meet singer Tiffany Summers! But anyway, the Sapp Hall of Fame ceremony is yet more proof that I have a whole lot to look forward to when I become a teacher.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Good News Back Home In Cali!

Hi, Everyone!

As you can tell by the title of today’s blog post, there is good news back home in Cali.

Check this out: The news back home is that there will be a special Hall of Fame ceremony for five recently retired Sapp Elementary teachers. That’s right, y’all—my Grampa Clark, alongside his colleagues Mrs. Betty Bradley, Mr. Mike “Thundera” Thompson, Mrs. Cynthia Harvey, and Mr. Hal Arthur, will all be inducted into a very special teachers’ hall of fame on Saturday, December 21, 2013, in my hometown. I tell y’all: This news couldn’t have come at a better time, especially considering that I’ll be heading home next Friday, once my finals are done. And lest I forget: Gramma Jewel already put in the RSVP for all of us to attend this extravagant gala of extravagant proportions.

Just in case y’all can’t tell, I wanna state for the record that I am supercalafragitasticalidociusly excited… or whatever that word is that Mary Poppins said in that movie!

My excitement notwithstanding, I have an extra bit of added incentive for attending the first-ever Sapp Elementary Hall of Fame: I remember hearing somewhere or reading somewhere that in order to truly enjoy what you do, you must become immersed in it. For example: I’m studying to be a teacher, so I need to associate myself with those things that will help me become a great teacher. Y’all already know that I attended Mr. Arthur’s retirement celebration this past summer, and it was spectacular. I mean, the outpouring of love and encouragement that was shown by Mr. Arthur’s peers, colleagues, friends, family, and even some of his former students… I still get chills everytime I think about that one man (he’s 44 years old now) who got up and spoke about how Mr. Arthur really went the distance to help him. I told my mom that I wanted to be that kinda teacher.

Oh, and check this here out as well: It has been decided by my family that my Uncle Anthony accepts the award on behalf of my Grampa Clark. Originally, Gramma Jewel was gonna accept the honors, but she changed her mind and suggest that Uncle Anthony take her place. Well, it was no surprise to me that Uncle Anthony accepted the responsibility—I’m sure he’s gonna do a great job in paying tribute to the patriarch of the entire Jones Family. I reckon I’ll call him sometime this evening and see how he’s doing on his acceptance speech. If he needs any pointers, I got an “A” in my Fundamentals of Speech class last year—Uncle Anthony can always ask for my help… hahahaha!

Well, y’all, it’s time to go, but I’ll holla at y’all later. If I hear more about the Hall of Fame ceremony, I’ll be sure to let y’all know, but until then, y’all take care and be good.

Smooches,

Natasha

Too Damn Good For Too Damn Long!

Hi, Everyone!

Much like the theme song of new World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler, I am here to show the world—so bring it on!

Now, I want to stress once again: It’s not showin’ off if you can back it up, and trust me when I tell y’all—I’ve been backin’ it up since August 2013. And what’s more, the proof is in the pudding: Rust has acknowledged my academic work!

This afternoon, Rust had an Honors & Awards ceremony, and some chick from Los Angeles, California by the name of Natasha Renee Stewart was recognized for being on the Dean’s List for the 2012-13 school year. I promise you—I didn’t expect to be called much less recognized, but I gotta admit that receiving my very first Rust College Dean’s List award felt pretty damn good… okay, it felt very damn good!

And since I’ve already been hooked, you can bet your ass that I’m gonna repeat my success next year.



Photo Credit: wwe.com



Well, I hate to cut this blog short and sweet, but I gotta work some more on my persuasive speech. In closing this blog, though, I have but one more thing to say:

Hear what I say, better watch what I do.

Better heed the warning I’m here to give you.

If you ever doubted me, you don’t have a clue.

I’m here to show the world—I’M HERE TO SHOW THE WORLD!!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha