Dear Editor,
This community has experienced the loss of a teacher-giant with the passing of Dale Carpenter, former GBHS coach, teacher and counselor. He was a giant who dwarfed the average, and the took time to help the average become great in whatever they aspired to.
Personally I was blessed to know him as a fellow teacher. Knowing Dale was to know greatness. He was quiet and unassuming; but, when he spoke his words were meaningful and measured. His specialty was to give instructioh that helped the average to be better, then, become superior. To wit, he helped his hurdlers (in track) get their “step” and “skim” the hurdle and go on to the next hurdle with grace and balance, break the tape; and, become a winner.
As a counselor and teacher, he was second-to-none. His grace and sincerity inspired many a difficult situation to become solvable; and, a lesson learned for the better of experience.
Whittier’s poem (TO MY OLD SCHOOLMASTER) has a few rhythmic lines that perhaps do Dale Carpenter justice:
As, remembering thee, I blend
Olden teacher, present friend,
Luring us by stories old,
With a comic unction told,
Let the fools their treadmills grind,
Look not forward nor behind,
Yet, in earnest or in jest,
Ever keeping truth abreast.
Named on history’s title-page,
Parish-clerk and justice sage;
Wise and simple, rich and poor,
Thou hast known them all before!
Dale Carpenter’s stewardship in this community and our school system puts him on the title-page of rank accomplishment. He was a humble giant and the students loved him, plus, he was a teacher’s teacher.
Homer Kruckenberg