By Jennifer Weise

“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings.  The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”  ~ Carl Jung 

On the first day of class with Mr. Hoover I felt moved when he told us how important we, his students, were to him.  He demonstrated his dedication throughout the year by planning exciting and creative lessons and delivering them with verve.  We once read Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver and I cried at home upon finishing it.  I shared this with Mr. Hoover.  “Why did you cry?” he asked.  “Because I didn’t want it to end,” I replied.  He then told me that when he gets close to the end of a good book, he reads slower to make it last longer.  He has always had a remarkable way of relating to people’s feelings and connecting with them.

He created an ideal space in which to learn.  I remember liking all of the plants he had in his room.  His plants thrived under his care, as did his students.  He showered us with affirmation, kindness, and respect.  I always looked forward to his class and after graduation I found myself wishing he would teach some classes to adults so that I could be his student again!   

At our class’s graduation ceremony in 1995, we were fortunate enough to have Mr. Hoover deliver the main address.  I will always remember that day.  Mr. Hoover gave a humorous and poignant speech and mentioned things he would remember about many students in the Class of ‘95.  A wave of surprise hit me when I heard my name included.  That was such a “Mr. Hoover” thing to do, for it made us feel special and honored.         

I am deeply grateful for Mr. Hoover’s help with a pen pal project when I lived in China as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I had my college students write to his seniors and he miraculously found a pen pal for all 168 of my students!  I’ll never forget the looks of sheer joy and delight on their faces as they opened letters from their new Mason friends. 

In school I loved reading his positive and helpful comments on assignments, written in green pen. Now teaching in Tokyo, I thought of Mr. Hoover the other day when I made a trip to my local stationery shop to buy green pens to mark my students’ work.  Indeed, I think of him often.

I am forever indebted to Mr. Hoover.  A few years ago I tried sending him a check as an expression of gratitude.  He returned it with a nice note thanking me but saying that there were many people out there who needed the money more; perhaps I could use it to help the homeless?  Mr. Hoover is a constant source of inspiration.  I am so impressed by his commitment to bettering the world and to having FUN while doing so.  He is a shining example of the power of one.

You are the best, Mr. Hoover, and we love you dearly.  Thanks a million, and much happiness and success to you as you begin your next chapter…