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ARTS CENTER: Through the decades PAGE 3A
Family finds refuge in Minnesota after Hurricane Maria BY SARA MARIE MOORE VADNAIS HEIGHTS EDITOR
“We survived with the coconut water … like Tarzan.” Edgardo and Claribel Hernandez Survivors of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico
Elementary. “Life has a funny way of leading us to our callings,” Dahlem noted. Her past experience transitioning students from high school to college assists Clark in her work with fifth-graders transitioning to middle school. “Teaching kids is all about teaching them to conquer transitions,” Dahlem said Clark told her. Other finalists present at the event were Ben Kirkham, North Campus language arts; Cassie Knutson, South Campus science and technology; Alli McCann, North Campus language arts; Melanie Tlusty, Central Middle School music; and Melissa Wickert, North Campus social studies. Kirkham and Wickert were also finalists in 2017 and both third-time finalists.
When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico last September, the Hernandez family didn't know whether their father was alive or not for three days. He happened to be in the hospital with an infection the day the hurricane hit the small town of Marco on Puerto Rico's west side. Edgardo's wife, Claribel, four of their children, daughter-in-law and five grandchildren all hunkered down in their home during the hurricane. A part of the roof blew off. The storm lasted 20 to 24 hours. The town, including the hospital, lost electricity. When Edgardo was released from the hospital a couple days later, the family was relieved to learn everyone was OK. But everything had changed. “I cried after I got out because it was like another world,” Edgardo remembered. Over the next weeks, the town became unfit to live in. “There was no electricity, no water, no food, no nothing, no money,” Edgardo said. He once waited in line for six hours to get gas but by the time he got to the front of the line, there was none left. When banks finally opened after three weeks, thousands of people stood in line beginning at 3 a.m. to receive an allotted $100, he added. He waited 6 to 7 hours for his $100. The supermarkets were empty and drinking water could only be found far away. They ate what they had in their house and gathered coconuts. “We survived with the coconut water,” Edgardo said, motioning how he cuts a coconut with a machete. “Like Tarzan,” Claribel added. For bathing and washing, they simply
SEE TEACHER, PAGE 8A
SEE HURRICANE, PAGE 8A
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Oneka Elementary Principal Teresa Dahlem, left, pats fifth-grade teacher Maggie Clark on the back when she is named the 2018 White Bear Lake Area Schools Teacher of the Year.
Teacher of the Year alumna of district BY SARA MARIE MOORE VADNAIS HEIGHTS EDITOR
Oneka Elementary fifth-grade teacher Maggie Clark, a native of Hugo and alumna of Hugo Elementary School, is the 2018 White Bear Lake Area Schools Teacher of the Year. “I really feel like I am a product of my environment from growing up in White Bear, and my family and my colleagues,” Clark said after she was named at a celebration event with other finalists at White Bear Lake Area High School – South Campus April 19. “I just hope this award reflects back to all of you and the love, support and encouragement you have showed me on my journey.” Clark was nominated by over 20 former and current students, said Principal Teresa Dahlem. Students also surprised her by joining the audience in the South Campus Theatre.
Dahlem read several statements students had made about Clark: “She always makes learning the fun way instead of the boring way.” “She is the best teacher on earth, so loving and creative, I would have her as a teacher a million times if I could.” “If there were more teachers like Maggie Clark, the world would be a better place.” Other students mentioned how she works one-on-one if needed and understands if you make mistakes, inspires by telling students anything is possible, and helped a student to start to like math more. Dahlem said Clark didn’t start out as an elementary school teacher. She worked first at her alma mater, the University of Wisconsin – River Falls in the new student family programs. However, she used personal days to sub at Hugo Elementary, Dahlem said, before being hired at Oneka
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