I must begin by expressing how deeply honored I am to have been selected as the 2007 Morris Knolls High School Teacher of the Year. I am humbled to be in such prestigious company. Although I entered the profession further along one’s typical career path, I have always had the utmost respect and regard for teaching. There were many intense conversations with former colleagues in the printing, publishing and graphic design fields who looked at me with such disbelief when I told them that I was thinking about entering public education, but I applied for a teaching position anyway. This honor validates that I indeed made the right choice.
Needless to say, I would not have gotten this far without a great deal of help and support from many kind people here at Morris Knolls and I am extremely grateful. The support of our Administration, Board of Education and the community at large is truly inspiring and appreciated.
I have many, many people to thank. Apologies in advance if I have missed anyone.
Special thanks to:
Tom Hill for his never-ending professional and personal support – Thanks boss, for allowing me to keep the “Art” in Industrial Arts! To Dayle Clifford who has been a true friend and creative partner in bringing the best out of our kids artistically and technically. To Bill Erickson, for allowing the “wood to work the man”. To Tuck Hartpence, for reminding me to “treat ’em like your own”. To Steve DiBlasio, for reminding me that in “strength there is compassion”. To Ed Getchis, for reminding me that “If you are not having fun teaching, it is YOU that is doing something wrong”.
Additional thanks to:
Paul Wood, Danielle Stauss, Trish Goginsky, Kathy Pezak. John Hearon, Mike Chromey, Danny Benz, Bill Regan, Bill Chegwidden, Maryanne Fisher, Frank Elias, Neil Charles, Steve Ternosky, Joe Stracco and their respective crews. Diane DiBlasio and my other colleagues in the Guidance department, and of course - Gretchen Gannon.
To my students:
Thank you for allowing me to teach you. Together in Graphic Com we have built something quite unique indeed. I demand and expect a lot, but I only want you to be your best.
Thanks to my former teachers, coaches and mentors:
Mr. George Miller – Your art and legacy lives on, sir…
Mr. Joseph Flimlin Sr. – Dad, I wish I could ask you a question or three…
Mr. Zbigniew Lorenc and Mr. Joseph Kozakowski – “Shop is not an easy grade, Flake!”
Mr. Edwin “Rip” Collins, Mr. Larry “Skip” McKeown, Mr. Joseph Tosies – “Pride”
To my mother and father-
Joyce and Frederick Flake Sr., who have taught me to be strong, love unconditionally, keep my chin up, and never, ever give up on anything – especially education.
Last, but not least -
Love and respect to my wife, Ann Marie and our children Zach and Haley. You are truly the best part of me. You rock! The adventure continues…
