By Juliana Pearson

      When I think of the places where I have felt truly at home, Mr. Hoover’s classroom comes to mind.  It is three o’clock on a Thursday afternoon.  I’m drinking a Diet Coke and working on a commentary for my “No Barriers” column.  I have a clipping from the Post Mr. Hoover has shared with the Lasso staff on my desk.  I left any worries about college admissions or my next math test out in the hall because we’re on a mission: our little paper that could.  Lasso Online, and the time I spent with Mr. Hoover in his classroom, was by far the best part of high school.  

       It is difficult to imagine George Mason without Mr. Hoover.  As a young writer, I could not have asked for a better mentor.  It goes without saying that there wouldn’t have been a Lasso Online if he had not invested countless hours making sure that our project was successful.  His determination and dedication to excellence continually amaze me.  Indeed, as I wrote in my final commentary for Lasso, I cannot express how grateful I am for all of his support.

      In the same commentary I wrote, “I hope that many more young writers will be as affected by Mr. Hoover’s guiding advice as I have.”  Five years later, I know they have been.  Here’s my hope as I look to the future: that my own children can connect with a teacher just like him.