In grade school I quickly learned which teachers to avoid, not that it does any good. Entering third grade, I surely didn’t want Mrs. Scholes. Rumers frightened me. No, I didn’t want Mrs. Scholes, but I got her, and her reputation proved true. She put the fear in us. We did what she said. We were afraid not to. We learned our lessons. She didn’t put up with nonsense.
One day we marched three blocks to dedicate the new gymnasium, each class in long lines. Mrs. Scholes had repeatedly drilled us.
“The ceremony is outside. Our class will be in front. We will sit on the ground so people behind us can see. Do not stand. Sit. I do not want to see one child standing.”
The large crowd included high school and grade school students, teachers, citizens, and city officials. Pride swelled the hearts of our small town folks. As instructed, my class sat on the grass in front of them. Mr. Smith, our Superintendent, stepped to the microphone.
“Everyone stand as the band plays "The Star Spangled Banner".
Ms Scholes motioned for us to stand, but not one student stood. No Way.
I think she was embarrassed. Maybe.
