50-Year-Reunion

. . . Hey, I've been called worse! I sang in three different country music bands that included other teachers and students. I wrote lyrics and co - wrote music for other artists. I met very talented people in the indus try. I enjoyed every minute of it! Over the years, the hair on top became thinner and Momma eventually got her way. You see, some students won a bet with me concerning the score of a high school football game. I lost and they shaved my head completely. Yep, Momma won! I came home a skinned head country boy for Spring Break. She made it clear she wanted me to cut my hair, not shave it off. There's no pleasing a woman no matter how much you love them, even if she's your Momma! Shortly thereafter, I returned to West Virginia in 2012. My parents were getting older and I listened to my heart again. Mercer County schools welcomed me back and I put all my skills together for a last hurrah. I designed and built another television studio where the students created award winning productions claiming first place in county competitions. Three of my former students graduated with TV production - oriented degrees from Concord University and now, they work as supervisors and producers in news networks and one at PBS. I advised eight more yearbook publications, seven of which were ranked #1 in a four - state area judging. My last yearbook was the 25th silver anniversary edition of the PROWLER at PikeView HS. It hurt so much when I retired from teaching. After 45 years as an educator, I knew the time was right, but it still hurt … just like high school graduation. Over the years, numerous friends, coworkers, and students enabled me to become successful in my endeavors. Through it all, I have continuously reminded students that “ God don't make junk! ” In recent days, students approach me in Walmart and other places and I get to hold their babies. Honestly, I feel like a grandfather. Often, grown men that were once teenage students hug me and say “ French, you were right … God don't make junk, does He?! ” I thank God for my many blessings and gifts, the greatest of which is Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I am grateful for the magnificent and di vine plan of salvation so that I, a sinner, can be saved by grace and one day hear the words “ well done faithful servant … welcome home! ” Another tremendous gift is my Christian parents who are now 89 and 92. They are doing well but they long to “ go home. ” I am so fortunate to still have both of them with me. Ultimately, I am a man most blessed!

I moved to Tennessee. Time for a professional, country portrait.

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