Meryl Shank. I had him for Calculus, Physics, Mechanical Drawing and what we pretended was an independent studies class in philosophy with 2 other students who were also odd birds in a small, homegenous community in rural WV. He taught mostly advanced math and physics classes, but also vocational and shop classes. He was a mentor to many across the academic spectrum over the years. He was interested in fostering and empowering the whole person. He planted the seeds that over time helped me to be OK with being a bit different - to be comfortable being uncomfortable for not fitting in. He did the same for many kids over the years. He died the spring of 1970, the year after I graduated from high school. I still visit his grave a couple of times a year, to remind myself of how fortunate I was to have had his influence in my life.

Like others, I was fortunate to have had a lot of good and gifted teachers, and there are a few others that exerted especially positive lasting influence. Mr.Shank was the best of the best.