Student Tributes
Lindsey Ann von Thron ~ Associate Producer CBSSports.com ~ St. Mary’s Class of 1998 St. Mary's is more than just an elementary and middle school. It is a place where the seeds of individuality, self confidence, and the yearning to learn are planted. As a "lifer" at St. Mary's, I was privileged to spend nine years cultivating these traits under the guidance of some amazing teachers and mentors. Many of my classmates are still close friends and others I see less often and pick up right where we left off, because those are the types of friendships forged at St. Mary's. My St. Mary’s teachers have also had a profound effect on me; one even told me where I was going to college when I was in the sixth grade - and sure enough she was right! Years after graduating from St. Mary's, I still hear from my teachers every once in a while or have the chance to catch up with them around town. It is truly amazing to know that your kindergarten or second grade teacher continues to keep up with your accomplishments throughout high school and college. Without fail, my kindergarten teacher cut out every newspaper clipping that mentioned me and mailed it to me with a note saying how proud she is of me. Getting a pat on the back from parents is encouraging, but even more encouraging is to know that someone who taught you when you were five years old still cares enough to send a note of congratulations when you graduate high school and college. My second grade teacher continues to tell me, each time I see her, that I was her most meticulous student, and it brightens my day that not only does she remember each of her students, but she remembers all of their characteristics and quirks as seven year olds. Along with unique teacher-student relationships and lasting friendships, I developed the study skills, discipline, and time management that allowed me to have an accomplished high school and college career, leading me to fulfill my dream of working in sports media in New York City. St. Mary's provided a well-rounded education that focused not only on the classroom, but also on athletics, the arts, and camaraderie. We learned as much from class plays, field days, 8th grade rock concerts, and from participating on the competitive athletic teams as we did from social studies and math classes. While I am not the same wide-eyed five year old who first stepped foot onto the St. Mary's campus, or the same fourteen year old who graduated nine years after that, I still have the lessons, the memories, the friendships, and the mentors from my time at St. Mary's, which have all played an integral role in who I am today and will continue to play this role for a long time to come. St. Mary's Episcopal Day School 2101 South Hubert Avenue Tampa, Florida 33629 (813) 258-5508 Fax: (813) 258-5603 |
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