jhofficial
08-22-2007, 09:56 PM
Katy Nicholson, Herald Staff Writer
GASTON - The school year has yet to begin and the Northampton County High School-West football team already has a winning play, courtesy of Herman Boone.
The Rocky Mount native is so sure the play will be successful, he's wagered $100, and he should know - he's been named coach of the year six times and his football team was the inspiration for the film “Remember the Titans.”
As keynote speaker for Northampton County Schools' convocation Tuesday, Boone used humor and personal experiences to inspire teachers as they begin a new year. Also attending the convocation were State Reps. Ed Jones and Michael Wray.
“Dr. Gibson, I realize if you had anything to do with it, your first choice was Denzel Washington,” Boone joked to Superintendent Kathi Gibson when he took the stage, referring to the actor who played him in the 2000 Disney movie.
On a more serious note, he spoke to the auditorium full of teachers about the importance of their role in the community.
“The Lord knows your job is not about the fame or glory,” he said, adding the job of a teacher is to educate students who will hopefully one day themselves attain fame and glory.
Boone also discussed the importance of working together as a team and using diversity as an advantage, rather than getting caught up in people's differences.
“In most of America, our rituals of separateness are more developed than our rituals of togetherness,” he said.
In a constantly changing world, Boone noted, it is also important that teachers embrace change and continue to improve themselves and their students.
Boone, who first taught and coached in Blackstone, Va., returned to North Carolina in 1961 as a coach at E.J. Hayes High School in Williamston, according to the '71 Original Titans Web site. In a nine-year period, his football teams had a record of 99 wins and eight losses.
In 1969, the Williamston school board told Boone the town “was not ready for a black head coach,” the Web site continues, and Boone accepted a position as assistant football coach at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va.
In 1971, the city integrated its school system and named Boone head coach of the football team, choosing him over Bill Yoast, a popular and successful white coach. Boone and Yoast ended up working together to unify the team, which became the most powerful team in the state, ranking second in the nation by national polls.
Teachers must let their students know that a high school diploma won't get them where it could have gotten them in the 1980s and '90s, as advancements in technology mean businesses are looking for more skilled workers, Boone said. It is also critical to help them develop their interests.
“If our students choose employment for the money, the prestige and the security without the joy, they are not likely to make a difference in our community,” he explained.
It is equally important that teachers enjoy their own jobs and take their responsibilities seriously.
“If you're not making a difference in the lives of these children, ladies and gentlemen, let me be the first to tell you that you are in the wrong profession,” he said to a round of applause.
Sometimes, students look so grown-up that it can be easy to forget they are students, Boone noted. It can be the most mature-looking, hardened students who need the most guidance, he added, and sometimes it takes a trip to a student's home to understand the circumstances behind his or her behavior.
Gang activity is a growing problem across the country, he continued, and teachers and administrators are in the best position to identify and address gang signs. Children often just want to fit in, and it's important to provide them with a positive, caring environment.
“As teachers and administrators, we must never be fooled by the outside package,” he said. “Kids still need a hug and a pat on the back because they are still vulnerable and impressionable.”
After receiving a standing ovation, Boone stuck around for a while for autographs. Asked what it feels like to go back into schools and inspire teachers, Boone was quick to tell the Daily Herald he's never stopped being a teacher himself. “I haven't left. Teachers never leave. We never die. We just get old.”
The principle sponsor for Boone's visit was Skinner, Lamm and Highsmith architectural firm.
Shirley Everett, a kindergarten teacher at Willis Hare Elementary, said she thought Boone's speech was a good way to start the year.
“I think it was absolutely wonderful, very motivating,” she said. “I think it was great to hear that we need to accept diversity and be prepared to deal with it.”
Stephanie Riddick, a first-grade teacher at Central Elementary, also said she enjoyed Boone's speech. Riddick said she found his point about teachers often saying they teach a particular subject instead of saying they teach students “very profound.”
“It was just awesome. I've seen the movie countless times, but to meet the actual person, it just gives you chills and goosebumps. Great motivation for the beginning of the year,” she said.
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GASTON - The school year has yet to begin and the Northampton County High School-West football team already has a winning play, courtesy of Herman Boone.
The Rocky Mount native is so sure the play will be successful, he's wagered $100, and he should know - he's been named coach of the year six times and his football team was the inspiration for the film “Remember the Titans.”
As keynote speaker for Northampton County Schools' convocation Tuesday, Boone used humor and personal experiences to inspire teachers as they begin a new year. Also attending the convocation were State Reps. Ed Jones and Michael Wray.
“Dr. Gibson, I realize if you had anything to do with it, your first choice was Denzel Washington,” Boone joked to Superintendent Kathi Gibson when he took the stage, referring to the actor who played him in the 2000 Disney movie.
On a more serious note, he spoke to the auditorium full of teachers about the importance of their role in the community.
“The Lord knows your job is not about the fame or glory,” he said, adding the job of a teacher is to educate students who will hopefully one day themselves attain fame and glory.
Boone also discussed the importance of working together as a team and using diversity as an advantage, rather than getting caught up in people's differences.
“In most of America, our rituals of separateness are more developed than our rituals of togetherness,” he said.
In a constantly changing world, Boone noted, it is also important that teachers embrace change and continue to improve themselves and their students.
Boone, who first taught and coached in Blackstone, Va., returned to North Carolina in 1961 as a coach at E.J. Hayes High School in Williamston, according to the '71 Original Titans Web site. In a nine-year period, his football teams had a record of 99 wins and eight losses.
In 1969, the Williamston school board told Boone the town “was not ready for a black head coach,” the Web site continues, and Boone accepted a position as assistant football coach at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va.
In 1971, the city integrated its school system and named Boone head coach of the football team, choosing him over Bill Yoast, a popular and successful white coach. Boone and Yoast ended up working together to unify the team, which became the most powerful team in the state, ranking second in the nation by national polls.
Teachers must let their students know that a high school diploma won't get them where it could have gotten them in the 1980s and '90s, as advancements in technology mean businesses are looking for more skilled workers, Boone said. It is also critical to help them develop their interests.
“If our students choose employment for the money, the prestige and the security without the joy, they are not likely to make a difference in our community,” he explained.
It is equally important that teachers enjoy their own jobs and take their responsibilities seriously.
“If you're not making a difference in the lives of these children, ladies and gentlemen, let me be the first to tell you that you are in the wrong profession,” he said to a round of applause.
Sometimes, students look so grown-up that it can be easy to forget they are students, Boone noted. It can be the most mature-looking, hardened students who need the most guidance, he added, and sometimes it takes a trip to a student's home to understand the circumstances behind his or her behavior.
Gang activity is a growing problem across the country, he continued, and teachers and administrators are in the best position to identify and address gang signs. Children often just want to fit in, and it's important to provide them with a positive, caring environment.
“As teachers and administrators, we must never be fooled by the outside package,” he said. “Kids still need a hug and a pat on the back because they are still vulnerable and impressionable.”
After receiving a standing ovation, Boone stuck around for a while for autographs. Asked what it feels like to go back into schools and inspire teachers, Boone was quick to tell the Daily Herald he's never stopped being a teacher himself. “I haven't left. Teachers never leave. We never die. We just get old.”
The principle sponsor for Boone's visit was Skinner, Lamm and Highsmith architectural firm.
Shirley Everett, a kindergarten teacher at Willis Hare Elementary, said she thought Boone's speech was a good way to start the year.
“I think it was absolutely wonderful, very motivating,” she said. “I think it was great to hear that we need to accept diversity and be prepared to deal with it.”
Stephanie Riddick, a first-grade teacher at Central Elementary, also said she enjoyed Boone's speech. Riddick said she found his point about teachers often saying they teach a particular subject instead of saying they teach students “very profound.”
“It was just awesome. I've seen the movie countless times, but to meet the actual person, it just gives you chills and goosebumps. Great motivation for the beginning of the year,” she said.
Print this story