FORWARD
This edition of the literary magazine is dedicated to Jonathan Lancaster. He was the co-founder of the organization that created the magazine and has since been a dedicated advisor to the club, as well.
Mr. Lancaster has been an English teacher here at Gateway for seven years, and sadly, this is his last. In his seven years, he has played an influential role in his students’ lives both inside and outside of the classroom. First and foremost, he has always been a dedicated teacher. He has challenged his students to work to their greatest ability and has held his students to a high standard academically, as well as morally. It has been under his guidance that many of us have grown to be better writers, thinkers, and simply better people.
His classroom has provided the perfect balance between criticism and encouragement. No opinion has ever been deemed worthless, but rather everyone’s voice was heard. Regardless of the strength behind the idea, every opinion was considered a starting point to grow and expand upon.
Not only has he been a wonderful teacher to all, but an inspiring mentor to many. His own work ethic has set a precedent for his students, and it has been under his guidance that many have attempted and managed to reach new levels of achievement; it has been with his encouragement that they have dared to reach for heights that they would otherwise have believed unattainable.
It is difficult to characterize a personality, especially one as memorable and profound as that of Mr. Lancaster. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to have him as a teacher, work with him as a colleague, or simply get to know him as a person, will agree that he is a rare individual. Not too often does one come across someone as intelligent, approachable, and influential as Mr. Lancaster. He will truly be missed.
Sherri Hall, Christina Norris, Liz Romeo