Before there was the TV show “Project Runway” there was Mrs. Virginia B. Waldmire of Bradford High School, Starke, Florida. In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, it is my honor to acknowledge the teacher who changed my life. This teacher taught a course in Fashion Design, Textiles & Clothing. More than teaching us how to design, she taught skills and lessons that helped us in daily life. We spent hours designing, cutting, sewing, choosing colors, fabrics and textiles, presenting fashion collections and then doing it all over again. She said that our projects represented our lives in that we have the power to choose and create our designs, but if we made mistakes, we should do it over again or find another way. She judged our fashion collections harshly, but she gave us phenomenal solutions. Two years ago I was prescribed reading glasses. In honor of the late Mrs. Waldmire, I found eyewear frames that looked like hers. I will always love and remember Mrs. Virginia B. Waldmire. “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Henry Brooks Adams Many thanks to educators and faculty everywhere who greatly impact the lives of students. Happy Teacher & Faculty Appreciation Week!
Patrice Tankard
