Thank You, Mr

FSHS NEWSLETTER FROM CAROL J. AMOS October 25, 2005 If you do not want to receive the news just respond with Unsubscribe in the Subject Line along with your class year. Feel free to share with anyone who would like to read this information. They are invited to register with me and I can send it directly to them. This document is a personal creation and is not an official statement by FSHS. Although I make every effort to verify the facts, mistakes can be made. Please advise me of any errors. If you forward please credit the source and send or print the newsletter intact. I would like the chance to make any corrections. I do not want any misinformation circulating. I’ll correct any errors in the next newsletter. Editor’s note: I thank Dave for sharing the tribute to Coach Bill Kerr.

Thank You, Mr. Kerr My wife and I wish to extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Kerr, and will keep in our thoughts and prayers his wife of 66 years, Millie. Mr. Kerr certainly was a man of character who influenced the lives of several thousand students and athletes over the course of his long teaching and coaching career in Marion County. He served his family, community and country, and was a highly respected person. Many thought of him as a quiet person, but once you became familiar with him he was a jovial, talkative, charismatic individual who could bring out the best in others, be it in a classroom environment, coaching situation, or simply socializing. His passing saddens all of us, but he will always be remembered by the many people he touched during his 90 years of productive and meaningful life.

The success of the football, track and wrestling teams at Fairmont Senior High School were the result of his superior coaching and motivational skills. In football practice I remember he would start with basic fundamentals for the linemen. Among his sayings was, “Head up, neck bulled, bend the knees, not the back, and Wilson made the pads for the shoulders, not the arms.” Then he would drill, drill, and drill his athletes until the fundamentals became natural instincts. Next he would mold his athletes to play together as a team.

I still recall him saying more than once, “If we have 4 or 5 who really want to play football, we’ll have a good team. But if we have 11 who really want to play, there won’t be another team in the valley who will beat us.”

He expected his athletes to always give it 100% and play together as a team -- slackers and grand-standers need not even consider trying out for his teams.

Mr. Kerr produced many winning teams during his coaching career at FSHS. However, on one occasion we were losing rather badly in football, and I will never forget his composure and comments. Having upset Moundsville 20-18 at home the year before after they were ranked fifth in the state, the game was one of revenge on their home turf my senior year. Three members of the backfield later became starting varsity players for WVU. At halftime he addressed the team by saying we should continue playing our hearts out if for nothing more than pride. Take pride in the fact that you are a football player who won’t just lie down and acknowledge defeat no matter the circumstances. Without playing with pride there would be no self-respect, and certainly no respect from our opponent. Although we lost 37-6, I have always carried that lesson with me.

I always admired Mr. Kerr not only for his coaching abilities, but also for how far he climbed the ladder of success. During my junior year at Fairmont State College in 1963, he was hired as an assistant football coach and head wrestling coach after having coached and taught at the junior and senior high school levels and performing assistant principal and principal duties. One could sense back then that the football program and coaching staff had just gotten a tremendous boost and big things were about to happen. The football teams continued to be more and more successful under the helm of head coach “Deacon” Duvall and Mr. Kerr that resulted in a NAIA national championship for FSC in 1967. They put FSC on the map and sports pages that year. One can imagine what it was like to play football for two of the best college coaches in the country. Later Mr. Kerr became head football coach and continued to have successful teams, one of which won the conference championship in 1974. He truly went a long way in his career after starting off in his small home-town of Mannington.

There were plenty of memorable experiences while playing sports for Mr. Kerr and working for he and Millie at the municipal swimming pool. I kept in contact with the Kerr’s for many years afterwards. We exchanged Christmas cards and letters yearly until failing health prevented further correspondence by them. They visited my wife and me in our new home in Arlington, TX in 1989, and were our first overnight house guests during a trip to Arizona. While dining together the question was asked of Mrs. Kerr, “How did you two meet?”

Her reply was quite lengthy, most of the details of which have been forgotten. However, towards the end of her answer she said, “I knew a good man the first time I spotted him and beat out the other girls.” The

always observant Mr. Kerr teasingly replied, “Listen to her. Are you going to believe everything she said?”

We all four burst into laughter after his comments.

As the years passed by I felt Mr. Kerr and I had become good friends. During my yearly visits to Fairmont we would meet on occasion, greeting each other with a handshake and engaging in congenial conversation.

The coach/mentor/teacher days had all but disappeared, and a different type of relationship had evolved. I guess I could have addressed him as “Bill” like many of his friends and peers. Instead, I chose to always address him as I did when he first became my coach out of sheer respect.

So how does one say a final farewell to somebody whom you’ve respected for nearly 50 years? In all those years I had really never said thank-you to him for being the great person he was. For being a Navy veteran of World War II; for being an outstanding coach and mentor to the many young athletes; for bringing community pride to Fairmont because of successful sports programs; for being a family man; for being an educator; for inspiring young people to do their best; for always having time to talk to his former students and athletes; for being a good listener; for being an example for others to follow; for providing many memories of times past. Thank you, Mr. Kerr.

Dave Rogers July 28, 2005 Marion County is in a state of emergency. Six to eight inches of snow fell on the area. Most of the leaves on the trees remain green. We have not had a chance to take the traditional drive to Deep Creek Lake to see the palate of crimson, orange, gold, and yellow in our beautiful WV; yet, huge flakes of snow began falling last night. As I rescued plants from the accumulating drifts, I realized that all the extra surface on the trees was undoubtedly a harbinger of trouble. By four o’clock a.m. the gazebo tent on the deck outside our bedroom began to creak and moan from the weight. Tree limbs crackled and snapped from the weight of a very heavy snow. The two-hour delay seemed a perfect chance to finish some lesson plans and set up the studio for an exciting day. As Rick and I set off on our typical morning maneuvers at 6:20 a.m., Locust Avenue was as slippery and treacherous as we’ve ever experienced. It was not going to be a typical day.

As we turned off Oakwood Road to Mt. Vernon large limbs blocked part of the street along the Hermosilla, Retton, and Mollohan property. Most of the beautiful young plum trees along Eighth Street planted by the Waitkus, Rose, and Sears families, and others whose names I do not know were uprooted, lying on cars, or in the street. A young couple surveyed the damage as a large limb jutted out the back window of their new silver sports car. Shards of glass littered the trunk and interior as they looked in disbelief at the carnage.

Shrubbery, usually towering high above the wall, now laden with snow formed a canopy over the back drive.

Just as I unlocked the door to the TV Studio the lights flashed and alarms started sounding. All the equipment is on surge protectors and back up batteries, which provided reassurance to me, albeit a noisy welcome to my world. With a wave goodbye to my husband I began my day as he departed for his morning ritual at Fairmont General Hospital’s cardiac rehab. As I began burning dvds and typing the morning bulletin, my cell phone rang. Rick called with news that the hospital and most of the west side area had lost power. Within minutes, I checked out the marionboe.com website to learn that school had been cancelled-information quickly relayed by the custodian who wanted to make sure that I got home safely. A tree had fallen across the Back Drive near Park so we had to retreat back up the wrong way. Traffic lights, streetlights, house lights—all was dark in our little corner of the world. Proceeding out Locust Avenue the new FSU parking garage on Bryant Street provided the only lights, apparently powered by an emergency generator. As we pulled into the driveway at home the surreal sight of the smoke trees (ten feet tall when covered with pink tufts just a few months ago) now flattened by the burdensome weight of the snow supplied a grotesque scene to our darkened home. Sometime around noon with power restored we enjoyed a cup of coffee with Rick’s brother, Larry, who had come down with power saw in hand to cut enough of the downed tree to allow access to the front walk. We still don’t have television so I guess I’ll miss the third game of the World Series; I do have the Internet so I’ll send a shout out to my email buddies. Please realize that I had hours by candlelight to prepare this document so don’t expect as much when I’m back in the classroom. I do enjoy preparing it and especially appreciate the stories shared by those who receive it.

Fairmont Senior High School named one of seven high schools in WV as exemplary The state Board of Education recently released a list of 127 exemplary schools. FSHS, one of only seven high schools in the state, once again receives the honor. For a school to receive the exemplary accreditation status, at least 80 percent of its students have to score at or above mastery level in language arts, math, science and social studies on annual standardized tests. At least 30 percent of students have to

score above mastery level in those subjects. Other criteria include an attendance rate of at least 94 percent and a graduation rate of at least 85 percent with at least 55 percent planning to continue their education beyond high school.

Fairmont Senior ranks 13th on WESTTEST scores Fairmont Senior High school ranked 13th out of 123 high schools in the state on its WESTTEST scores.

Eighty- four percent of our students scored at or above the mastery level in math, 83 percent in reading and language arts, and 94 percent in science on the 2005 WESTTEST. SAT Profile released The FSHS Class of 2005 on the verbal section scored 555, compared to 523 in WV and 508 nationally. On the mat portion FSHS students averaged a 534, while WV students got 511 and nationally students achieved a 520.

Nationally recognized sportscaster speaks to FSHS students Through an arrangement with FSU AD Scott Gines, a visiting dignitary for the Fairmont State Homecoming spoke to students at FSHS. TV Broadcasting, journalism, speech, AP English, and leadership students heard a mesmerizing message from Eddy Clinton. He is a former 2-time Texas Sportscaster of the Year, AP and UPI; Won an ESPN ESPY Award for announcing in 1994 (called what has been referred to as “the greatest HS football game of all time”); appeared on the Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno, Jim Rome Show on ESPN, Won Sportscast of the Decade from Lynn Burman of the NBC Today Show; starred in the Paramount Pictures film “Varsity Blues” w/ John Voigt and as the voice of the West Canyon Coyotes.

Hands Across Marion County supports United Way

Photo by Times West Virginian photographer Dan Snyder John Veasey, in an article for the Times West Virginian, wrote the following: “Marion County students learned Friday how helpful people here have been in helping the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They also were told that much help is needed right here on the home front. The occasion was the first “ Hands Across Marion County,” in which students at each school took part in a fund- raiser for the United Way — an event patterned after the “ Hands Across the Campus” event that Fairmont Senior High School has held for the past few years. United Way director Robin Smith was pleased with the event, but said that the amount of funds raised would not be available until early next week. James Cimino, senior class sponsor, can be seen center holding the microphone. (I’m holding up the left Fender speaker) beside Rev. Bowyer, who recently retired from his religious leadership at Fairmont State. He still greets everyone with an engaging smile and warm embrace—a truly remarkable man with a long legacy at Fairmont State. He represented the United Way on the occasion.

In an additional fundraiser for the United Way, students collected over $1,700.00. The National Honor Society coordinated the drive.

At State Student Council Fall Convention history was made.

The three State officers for next year will be from FSHS (all three officers have never been from the same school before); they are Lex Janes, President; Brett Parker, Vice-President; and Brooklyn Sapp, Secretary.

Improvements to FSHS facility o Three new classrooms under the new cafeteria soon to be occupied and four new ones in old cafeteria. The Polar Bear Buildings will be demolished when that is accomplished. o $30,000.00 for window maintenance—repair and painting. They look marvelous! o New blinds in Freshman Building o Alicia Beighley, former journalism teacher and now Dean of Students at East Dale Elementary, reported that the journalism department received new computers.

Students were trained at summer camp. She will work with Jessica Alonso, her replacement, to include items of interest regarding the Foundation in the Loop Connection.

FSHS Foundation, Inc. Carol Amos and the Foundation can provide assistance with your reunion plans with current addresses, tours of the school, and videos to just mention a few services we happily provide.

The FSHS Foundation thanks the supporters of the recent golf fundraiser. We gratefully acknowledge the following businesses and individual contributors. Omni Design and Edward Jones—Underwriters. Biafore Landscaping, LLC; Laughlin and Wade, Optometrists; AMIS; and R & E Electric—Business sponsors. Tee and Hole Sponsors—Adams Office Supply, Backwoods Grill, BB&T, Bond Insurance, Coca-Cola, Colasessano’s, Conley CPA, Diane Parker, Edward Jones—Matt Kettering, Fairmont Specialty, Fantasia Broadcasting, First Exchange Bank, Floyd Read Estate, Gwynn Tire, Hood Agency, Institute for Scientific Research, Jim Davidson, John Markovich, alumnus, Knights of Columbus, Middletown Tractor, Middletown Homes, MVB, Muriale’s, Peale and Ginny Davidson, Red Dot Pharmacy, Rivesville Community Pharmacy, Ron Graziani, D.D.S., Royal Glass, Side Street Deli, Smith-Carpenter Insurance, State Garm Insurance, Greg Kelly, The Glass Doctor, John Matusky, Tom Mainella--Erie Insurance, Trailer City, Urse Dodge, Urse Honda, Valley Distributing, Video World, VFW Post 629, Wesbanco, Westchester Village, West Virginia Banker’s Title, Wholesale Carpet Outlet, Winners Choice, and Wishing Well. Friends and alumni: Raymond Alvarez, Martin Arcure, Randall Kocsis, Pam Stalnaker, Tina Shaw, Lois Laughlin, and Glen Harman. Lois Laughlin chaired the fundraiser. The FSHS Foundation presented $1,100 to FSHS golf team, coached by Stevie Sandor.

A $360.00 teacher grant was funded for WordMaster Challenge, a literary competition test to AP students of Sally Feltz, Glenna Martin, and Linda Pinnell.

Joe Jenkins recently became the newest life member of the Foundation. His name will be added to the plaque in the hall next to the office. th

The Class of 1955 certainly impressed me at their recent tour of the school. Commemorating their 50 anniversary, they were so enthusiastic about visiting their school. So many attended that I had to divide them into two groups. Hope you enjoy the dvd as much as Bob Cavallo, Anne Moore and I did in creating it.

I thank Richard Spencer for donating his Maple Leaves to the museum at the school. I also appreciate that Bill Morosco showed me the PGA Hall of Fame Induction program of 2001 for his brother Tony, class of 1954. I hope they both weathered Wilma without incident.

If you endured any of the unprecedented hurricanes this season and would like to send word to classmates that you have relocated or how they can get in touch with you I will do so through this newsletter. Be safe, be well, be happy, Polar Bears until next time.

Faculty members meet on the front steps of the school.