ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank the following people whom "The Greatest Art Class in the Universe" would not exist:

Clara Kun Nai Kong (my mom) for encouraging my creativity early on.

All of my students past and present who have strived to be the best they could. (I hope you have learned as much from me as I have learned from you.) This site is dedicated to you.

Alison Corson (my violin instructor) Your passion, devotion, integrity for music and teaching went beyond any other. You made a lasting impression on my musicianship, teaching and life.

All of the teachers and students from Heiwa Ryu (The Peaceful Way), but especially: Master Sensei Joe McNamera for showing me the Way.

"The Way: Perseverance--Humilitiy--Love."--Heiwa Ryu, Martial Arts Workbook by John E. Doub

To my teachers at "Barnyard" White Middle School:

Mr. Divers - Having students have an open forum to talk about issues in their life, made for a fun, engaging class. Your "hotseat" was an amusing idea. (Glad I only had to sit in it once.)

Mr. Zisor - Thanks for your stories from childhood it made the class special.

Mr. Del Pelar - I loved the comic books in your class and thanks for having us analyze music/songs.

Mr. Ron Fairchild - You taught with such "style." Thanks for the great class.

Mr. Tovar - To the "wildman" of P.E. Your sarcastic sense of humor was appreciated.

Ms. Queen - I still have my "Famous Myths" comic book from your class. What a classic halloween outfit you had! Thanks.

"A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops."-- Henry Brooks

To my teachers at James Logan High School:

Ms. Liz Friedman (Art Instructor) for your encouragement, inspiration and putting up with a temperamental, teenage, budding con-artist.

Ms. Missy Warhurst (Art Instructor) for your continued support and kindness.

Mr. Don Montoya (Biology Instructor) for your dynamic teaching style/classroom, sense of humor, and diplomacacy with a certain "class-clown."

Mr. Art Friedman (History Instructor) your classes were so much fun, what a great sense of humor, it's no wonder why you were such a popular, well loved, one-of-a-kind teacher.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Vicky Medina (English Instructor) thanks for encouraging creativity, humor and individuality in your classroom. We've adopted your "Dare to be Different" sign in our classroom.

Mr. John McNamera (Photography Instructor) I never had the opportunity to be a student in your award-winning classes, but I'm fortunate to have gotten to know you through the JLH Fine Arts Dept. You built "from the ground up" a first-rate photography program. It's excellence and influence is felt far beyond your photography class.

 

Ms. Nancy Del Colleti & Mr. Richard "Funnyman" Dugan (US History) for your great sense of humor and making me more socially and politically aware.

Mr. Ross Blue (Swim Coach) For me, you were the "White Shadow" swimming coach. Thanks.

Mr.Tom Brown (English) Any teacher who has his class study "Tommy" by the Who, has got to be in my acknowledgements list.

"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much nessessary new material, but the warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." --Carl Jung

Hayward High Cronies:

Jack Hudson (HHS Art Dept.Chair & Teacher) for your solid example, helpfulness, respect, advice and letting me know when all the meetings are.

Joe "Skipper" Joseph (HHS Coach & Teacher) for helping "Gilligan" get through teacher training without losing a smile. Also for having the insight to keep me away from driving and doing my homework at the same time.

Dr. Robert "Bobby- B.B." Kershaw (former HHS Vice-Principal) for your constant support, respect and sense of humor.

Gloria "Glow" Griswald (Queen of the Attendance Office) and Bonnie Peterson (Former HHS Head Office Staff) for being "The Nicest Ladies in the Galaxy!" and showing me the "public high school ropes" early on. Also, special thanks to all the attendance office crew.

Gary ("I have one brief announcement") Kukus (HHS Teacher & Technical Supervisor) for bringing technology to our classroom and school. HHS is lucky to have you, thanks for all your help & support.

Kathy Carrai (English) for your respect and support of our fine arts classes through the HHS web-site and literary magazine.

Carla Schick (Math) for standing up and speaking your mind. Thanks for raising issues and fighting for teacher/human rights.

Rich Mathewson (Biology) I still have your test tube plug on my bike! Thanks for your donations and support.

Larry ("Whatchamacallit") Ratto (former HHS Principal) for giving me the freedom and financial support I needed to help my students achieve at a high level.

Steve Bower (Shop) For letting my class, through the years, borrow your stuff. Also, thanks for cutting our wooden panels.

William Rogers (Shop) Our speakers are mounted in our classroom thanks to you.

Milt Schueler (Special Ed.) Thanks for your help on the HHS library mural.

Charley "Greatest Basketball Coach in the Universe" Kendall (Journalism) Thanks for reporting our art students achievements through the years in the Haypress.

Judy Dixon and (Counselors) Working with high school students can be stressful and difficult. You are to be commended for helping to alleviate the difficulty and stress. You've successfully helped me with a number of student issues over the years. Thanks.

Ken Cook (Art Dept.) for your advice, expertise, donations and help.

Mark Koehler (Photography) for helping get our kids work to the fair. Also, thanks for your donations.

Lynda Brochini, (Band) Steve Hendee and Bryan Holbrook (Band) for supplying the "Angry Tired Teachers" with equipment and place to jam. Lynda thanks for being part of our "Disruptive Student Babysitting Exchange Program."

Wendy Struhl (Math) and Ann Kunich (Choir) Thank you both for also supporting our "Disruptive Student Babysitting Exchange Program."

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishment towards organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results." --Source Unknown

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Added Thanks:

PTSA and the HEF for your financial help for supplies, equipment and special projects for our classes.

Joe Tranchina (Master Teacher/Professor National University) To"The Greatest Teacher Trainer on the Planet!" for your example of strength of character, leadership, motivation and truthful insight into the upside down world of public education.

Tom Akawie (Zen Airbrush Master Artist, former SFAI Professor) I attribute much of my painting technique/knowledge to you.Thanks for encouraging my art.

Kenney Mencher (Professor of Art and Art History, Ohlone College) for letting me be a part of your "Greatest Art History Class in the Universe!" Your knowledge, expertise, help and advice have been invalueable to me. Also, thanks for letting us have access to your fantastic website.

Website created by: Steve Lenfestey /The Devilkid.

Additional maintenance and support from Alex Nunn. Current maintenance and supposrt from Hector Daniel Dominguez.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent.

Very Special thanks to the web master and master artist John Ly for re-vamping this site and creating my personal web site. You did a fantastic job and I'm forever gratefull.

 

Thanks to Racheal Kane for your help and colaboration on the Academy Art University S.F. mural. Also the Angry Tired Teachers poster design and developing the online "Greatest Art Class in the Universe, Alumni Group". Im very honored.

Every teacher, office staff, counselor, maintenance staff, parent, board member and administrator throughout Hayward Unified School District, who has supported our class throughout the years.

Thanks for helping us soar.