Tom lived a block away in our Lake Phalen neighborhood. I recall him as smallish physically but with a big brain and thick glasses. I suspect fitting in was usually a challenge for him and our neighborhood probably didn't help him much with that effort. Tom didn't make it to graduation dying unexpectedly before Christmas in 71. Seeing his name in memory underscores the importance of inclusion and trying to make all people feel welcome and valued.
I enjoyed being in some classes together with Tom. We were working on a skit about death, along with a few other smart kids in the Enriched English class, where the skit questioned whether life had meaning or not. Tom died shortly thereafter. I regret that I did not know him better. He was smart and clever. The world never had a chance to experience his unique talents.
I have a hazy memory of Tom and his funeral/service (I think) and remembering so many students saddened and crying but all I could think about then was where was everyone before (myself included). Oh to have been smarter and braver and more inclusive knowing what I know now. We are all the same value.
Bob Malmgren
Tom lived a block away in our Lake Phalen neighborhood. I recall him as smallish physically but with a big brain and thick glasses. I suspect fitting in was usually a challenge for him and our neighborhood probably didn't help him much with that effort. Tom didn't make it to graduation dying unexpectedly before Christmas in 71. Seeing his name in memory underscores the importance of inclusion and trying to make all people feel welcome and valued.
Jerry Kessler
I enjoyed being in some classes together with Tom. We were working on a skit about death, along with a few other smart kids in the Enriched English class, where the skit questioned whether life had meaning or not. Tom died shortly thereafter. I regret that I did not know him better. He was smart and clever. The world never had a chance to experience his unique talents.
JoAnn Huse (Ehlert)
I have a hazy memory of Tom and his funeral/service (I think) and remembering so many students saddened and crying but all I could think about then was where was everyone before (myself included). Oh to have been smarter and braver and more inclusive knowing what I know now. We are all the same value.