TEACHERS~HALL OF FAME TRIBUTE TO TEACHERS BY HELEN M. BRICKELL-HELFER
	In attempting to write a tribute to my teachers at Lepanto I want to begin with my "Dad" who provided the foundation for his eight children to get an education. All of us went to college except one sister who graduated from business school. We had scholarships and worked on campus. As we started our real jobs, we helped our younger siblings. When I was seven years old (1940), we moved from Caraway, Arkansas to Ole River, a country community that is half way between Caraway and Lepanto. We attended school in an old house. There were about eighteen children from first through sixth grades and very few books. Dad immediately contacted Mr. Boyd Johnston, school superintendent in Lepanto. Within a year a one-room school was built, books were supplied, and a very good teacher, Mr. Peacock, came to teach, He covered every subject. Eventually, about thirty-five children came to school. When I was in seventh grade, I started my schooling at Lepanto. We had to walk the three miles from our house to the Rivervale Road to catch a bus to school. A road was being constructed and walking that distance was not very pleasant especially in the winter. However, rain or shine Dad made sure that we got to school. My first year at Lepanto was one of discovery and hard work. I felt so inadequate, but the kids and teachers were so kind. With this help I won the scholastic achievement medal at Awards night at the end of the school year. I couldn't believe it, but after that my self-esteem was bolstered so much I felt I could and would do any assignment to the very best of my ability. From seventh through tenth grades I was at the old Lepanto High School. Mr. Johnson gave me so many opportunities to expand my horizons. During study hall, if he needed a helper for something, i.e. work in the library, the school store, or his office, he would ask me to help. If there was a special event in which I was involved, he always made sure that I had transportation and a place to stay in town. During this time, Mrs. Woodrow Crick, my English teacher, coached me in English and spelling. She provided me with extra work outside our regular course work. She instilled in me a love for literature. When I went to college, I found my English class to be very easy because most of the material had been covered under Mrs. Crick's guidance.
			Helen M. Brickell - Helfer's Tribute continued.. click "next"