The following TOP TEN list is in memory of a great educator who positively impacted many students, colleagues and his community. As I reflected on Thanksgiving Day, each memory made me smile and even laugh aloud through the tears. This is simply a few of my memories put into a format Dave would appreciate. I'm sure you could add your own memories to this # list!
#SandlinStrong
TOP TEN
#SandlinStrong
Dave
has a memory like an elephant: I was
Michael's second grade teacher during my fourth year of teaching. Dave would
share explicit details from that year (from stories Michael wrote to our
Nutcracker Production) that most people wouldn't have remembered....but he knew
the little things mattered. If you began a conversation with Dave on one of his
beloved topics such as family, Campbell County Schools, Reds or the Bengals…you
can be assured he would know the dates, names and other key facts like no one
else!
9
#WhateverItTakes
Dave
was always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. You can see that by all of the posts as past
students are telling their Mr. Sandlin stories. Sometimes it was extreme: At one conference, we were in a glass
elevator and without notice Dave hit the ground and began doing the army crawl.
It's a long story but at that time he felt like it was a "whatever it
takes" moment and he embraced it!
How else do you blend in while riding a glass elevator?!? Those who have heard the story are saying, “Only
Dave”!
8
#LaughterAtAllCosts
If
you were ever around Dave for long, you couldn't help but end up laughing. Probably the funniest memory was the time we
were at a CCS Retreat and the guest speaker began singing with a recording that
had back-up singers. He thought it was
Connie and I singing and tried to get us to stop. Needless to say, it was a moment that you
had to be there....to this day I still get random mailings and references
because of Dave's retelling of the event. He would go a great lengths to make
others smile....I am sure we could crash FB if everyone posted a Dave's Humor
Story!  |
| #FallMulching |
7 #TemperaturePrank #NeonFlashlight #mulching
(Only a few of you may get number 7 but I am confident that you are smiling! I had to add the recent text for effect for those who understand that Dave can remember an inside joke 8 years plus!) @Dan.Razor @Mark.Hegyi @Scott.Melton @Renee.Boots @Julie.Hubbard @Tony.Mazzei @Kim.Visse @Pam Cade
6
#InTheFight
I have never witnessed anyone fight illness
more than Dave Sandlin. He put 110% into
fighting his battle and always found the positive. He even tried to help others who were
battling cancer. In order to keep his
body as healthy as possible, he began making juices (with Anne's recipes) to
provide the best nutrition for himself.
We even had a juicing “gathering” at my house where he taught others how
to make Kale and Banana Drinks. I think
I had more fruit and veggies in that 3 months of juicing than I had in my
entire life!
4 #Loyalty
Webster’s
dictionary defines loyalty as a strong feeling of support or allegiance. Dave's
friendship knew no distance or time (or situations). No matter where I was in my career, I could
count on Dave to always be a cheerleader. Out of the blue, I would receive
random texts, messages and even songs written on the current educational
topics. He found creative ways to make
sure you knew he was supporting you in good or bad times. Loyalty is definitely
a word that describes who Dave was to many who had the privilege of receiving
one of his texts or phone calls to let you know he was cheering for you!
3 #Family1st
Dave
was always so proud of his kids (and now granddaughter)...One night we were out
together celebrating one of his milestones and he got a call that one of his
kids needed him. Without hesitation, he
jumped up and ran out. Anne had just met all of us but we promised him we would
get her home! He also talked non-stop about being able to walk his daughter
down the aisle for her wedding—this became a milestone for him as he was
recovering. These memories stick out in my mind, despite all that he was
dealing with—his family came first.
2 #Educator Impact
As
educators we often talk about giving 100% or putting students first but Teacher
Sandlin, Counselor Sandlin, Principal Sandlin....gave 110%. He was consumed with being a Camel and this
impacted students beyond belief. His
strength wasn't curriculum (sorry Dave)....his strength was something even more
important. He knew the value of relationships.
Remembering names, stories and checking in with students and past
colleagues was his strength....he did this better than anyone! Follow Dave's
example....you never know what impact you are making. I hope he is able to see
all of the posts from past students and colleagues that show how great his
impact was throughout his career.
1 #Unwavering Gratitude
Despite many hardships, Dave truly found ways to focus on what he was grateful for in his life. Each time another obstacle would come around the bend, he would set another goal or make a new plan to fight the battle. When he received his transfusion he had a birthday party at the hospital and the walls were covered with posters, cards and letters. He focused on those messages and not the procedure that was about to occur. He never held on to the negative that would make his heart bitter, instead he focused on the positive and to those watching him(take a look on the Sandlin Strong Page….a grateful heart was evident.
Despite many hardships, Dave truly found ways to focus on what he was grateful for in his life. Each time another obstacle would come around the bend, he would set another goal or make a new plan to fight the battle. When he received his transfusion he had a birthday party at the hospital and the walls were covered with posters, cards and letters. He focused on those messages and not the procedure that was about to occur. He never held on to the negative that would make his heart bitter, instead he focused on the positive and to those watching him(take a look on the Sandlin Strong Page….a grateful heart was evident.
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