It was called to my attention that Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2nd through the 6th.

Stephen Hemelt, the editor of this paper, plans a special tribute to our teachers.

I had many good teachers, but the one that I think about the most is Sister Mary Evangelist, who was my seventh grade teacher at St. Peter School.

I know she didn’t weigh much more than Mother Teresa, was feisty, had a passion for teaching, loved her students and their families and enjoyed talking about Notre Dame football and the legendary coach Knute Rockne.

I was rebellious, got into trouble and was not a very good student. She knew my dad and occasionally walked to my house, which was very close to the school, to tell my dad that I needed to be taken into the woodshed (we didn’t have one) and given a good whipping.

It wasn’t long into the school year that she arranged the seating in the classroom. My desk was put right next to hers. I guess I needed the attention and enjoyed being next to her. That relationship, a little rocky, lasted about a month.

The football season was now underway and my uncle, Joe Keller, was the coach. He would let me ride the bus with the football players for the away games.

The only Friday night game that year was against Catholic High of Donaldsonville. I went home for lunch and didn’t go back to school that afternoon.

When Sister Mary Evangelist found out why I missed school, I understand she was furious.

When I returned to school Monday, I noticed my desk wasn’t in the usual place. She had put it in the back of the room in a corner under the coat racks.

However, after a short time, I was able to get back into her good graces. I struggled academically throughout the year without much of an effort.

My mother became seriously ill in March and April of that year.

As we approached graduation, my promotion was in doubt. I’ll never forget her pulling me on the side one day before the reports were to be given out and told me, “The only reason I’m passing you is because I know how much it would hurt your mother if you failed.”

Yes, Sister Mary Evangelist was special to me. She had strong convictions, was a great teacher, didn’t back down from anyone and loved Jesus.

I went to high school, joined the Navy, got married and raised a family. In all that time, I kept up with her until her death years ago.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.