Heart, Will, and Determination

As most of you know, I teach at my alma mater, Gregory-Portland High School. I taught there for ten years before moving to Houston for two years and then taking a year off. I have been back since last February and I am currently teaching math and coaching the JV girls soccer team.
Last Friday was the last day before a two week holiday break, and the amazing staff and students at GPHS had a very special surprise for me...they had apparently been busy

making various kinds of hearts (when some of them should have been studying) which they presented to me in a huge jar and basket. I have pillow hearts, box hearts filled with more hearts, a unique stained glass heart (those English teachers are very talented), numerous decorated wooden hearts, Christmas ornament hearts, painted and fired ceramic hearts, paper hearts, jewel hearts, and even a heart made from a horseshoe (that sent the artist to the doctor with a piece of metal in his eye - sorry Ken!) Each heart has a special message and common theme- heart, will, and determination. Carl Prewitt, a teacher, coach and friend whom I have known since I was about twelve, wrote a poem that was the theme of each heart. The poem is mounted as shown above and is reprinted here without permission of the author...I'm sure I'll hear from him if he objects. I am TRULY BLESSED beyond measure by all the love and support...it's great to be home!

Heart, Will, and Determination

The heart is a
Thing of beauty; but
More than this,
It is the seat
Of power for all.

We align our hearts
With your heart -
Our power
With yours.

The will is a
Thing of brute force;
But more than this,
It is the feather
That makes flight happen.

We pool our collective wills
With your powerful will.
Fly!

Determination is defined as
A "firmness of purpose;"
But more than this,
It is the fuel
That enables
The heart and will
To become
The life-force that makes
All things possible.

We couple our determination
With your undeniable determination.

Heart, Will, and Determination!
Heart, will, and determination--
In all things.
By: Carl D. Prewit