Two Years Ago Today...

Hey, Y’all—I’m back, and have I got a real gooden for y’all!

All day today, I kept having this strange feeling that today was a very special day, and for some reason, I thought about my Uncle Anthony, and that’s when it hit me: Today is a very special milestone in my family!

It was two years ago on this very day that my Grampa Clark was inducted into the first ever Sapp Elementary Hall of Fame. This beautiful ceremony took place at the Marriott in Marina Del Rey, California, and the atmosphere was like that of an award show. I don’t know how Principal Wilson did it, but she made darn sure that the Sapp Hall of Fame lived up to the hype. Well, I can tell y’all—it was truly a gala affair!

From the moment we stepped inside that Promenade Ballroom to the closing remarks and benediction, I watched as the five legends of Sapp Elementary became immortalized in the annals of time. Each hall of famer was inducted by their respective predecessor, and entertained us with stories of their greatest moments at Sapp Elementary. However, it was my Uncle Anthony who had everyone grabbing the Kleenex, as he spoke from the heart about his dad/my grandfather, the late great Clark Kenneth Jones.

I get goosebumps to this very day when I think about how Uncle Anthony accepted the award on Grampa Clark’s behalf, then looked up to Heaven and boldly declared, “This is for you, Pop!” I remember how my smile grew when Uncle Anthony reached for his notes, only to put them back into his inside suit jacket pocket and just let the words flow about the legacy that Grampa Clark left at Sapp Elementary… and check this out, y’all: Uncle Anthony had every intention of giving that beautiful crystal award to Gramma Jewel, but Gramma Jewel wouldn’t have it; she suggested—dare I say—demanded that Uncle Anthony keep the award for himself.

And here it is, two years later, and you can find Grampa Clark’s award resting on the mantle of Uncle Anthony’s fireplace.

Well, y’all—that’s all the news that I have right now, but I promise to holla back sometime tomorrow. Until then, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Smooches,

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