I was a witness to an extraordinary effort at the recent Hampshire County Relay for Life — by the fifth-grade students at Jackson Street School.
These brave young people, supported by their families, formed “Team Welchman,” in honor of their beloved teacher, Ms. Paula Welchman, who passed away in February from a long journey through cancer.
Ms. Welchman was also a brave person — dedicated to her students and to teaching — and one who knew that, as difficult and sad as it was to continue to work through treatment and pain, her students would be the better for her and for witnessing her journey.
Team Welchman began the relay at Jackson Street School by organizing a “Relay Recess” — the entire school walked a lap around the school June 17, led by the fifth-graders in the purple TEAM WELCHMAN T-shirts.
They then went to Look Park — over 30 of them — where relay organizers and participants commented on their courage and spirit. They were an inspiration to all — and to me, their principal.
One of the most moving events was the luminary remembrance. The fifth-graders had written messages on the paper bags to Ms. Welchman and were given the honor of placing them at the entrance to Look Park in the fountain. We gathered to light them, in the dark, in silence. Then, one by one, students spoke of Ms. Welchman, what she meant to them, who she was as a person and as a teacher.
The children taught us, the adults, who were privileged to be there, what love is. I am forever grateful.
Gwen Agna
Northampton