Substitute Teacher Stirs Memories

As students return from Easter Break, this piece written by a substitute teacher at EHS since 2011, Daniel Hanson, is a reminder of some of the ways in which the Edgewood experience is special. Mr. Hanson, a teacher of English, History and Political Science at Oregon High School for 35 years before “retiring” to become a substitute teacher for many of the Madison area schools, continually sings the praises of our students, faculty and staff. 

THAT EDGEWOOD "EDGE"

by Daniel H.R. Hanson

Students and Teachers,

Teachers and Students

Give each other

That Edgewood "Edge"

Razor minds bright and intense

You see the "Edge" in the classrooms

You hear it in the Commons

You walk with it in the hallways

Insight that penetrates the students' souls

You can hear the "Edge" being honed

By mature and thoughtful discussion and debate

The Kind you only expect to hear in college seminars

Keen as a scalpel in talented hands

You feel the "Edge" being influenced by the

Warm invitation to belong and to participate

With Acute intense desire to share

You can feel the "Edge" in the community embrace

It is sharp but never pointed

It's a warm compassion that says

"How can we help one another?"

You learn the "Edge" has a joyous laughter

A warm sharpened wit that lifts always upward

And never cuts with anger from below

You learn that truth can give an "Edge" that

Cuts through injustice, a never ending battle

Worth lifelong endeavors that travel with

Graduates beyond the classrooms of Edgewood

The "Edge" becomes part of every student who departs in

Cap and Gown Triumphant with Pomp and Circumstance

Graduates carry the "Edge" in their hearts and minds

Sharp audacious knowledge seasoned with compassion

And Helps with all of Life's Adventures and Challenges

The Author wishes to give a SPECIAL THANKS to an accomplished caring educator who critiques with loving care, Katie Sturm; and to three students: Caroline Lake, Sarah Jenkins and Sam Anderson for their gentle reminders and so much more!