Almost four years ago, I walked into Mr. Hoover’s classroom for the first time, nervous and intimidated.  I had decided that I wanted to write for the school newspaper, but I knew nothing about journalism or how Lasso Online worked.  I had never talked to Mr. Hoover before, but I assumed that he would be a scary character, much like the seemingly enormous seniors he taught.  

It’s hard for me to imagine ever feeling the least bit unsure.  From our first conversation that day, I realized that Mr. Hoover was someone I wanted to get to know and learn from.  He was thrilled when I told him that I was interested in writing for Lasso Online, even though I wasn’t in the Journalism class.  And so I kept coming back, popping my head in during Nutrition Break and nibbling Oreos during Lasso Online club meetings.  AIthough I admit that I was still fairly terrified of the other Lasso reporters, Mr. Hoover’s encouragement and enthusiasm about everything made me realize that working for this newspaper could be a  great opportunity.  In January 2004, I nabbed the chance to investigate how stressful semester exams were and wrote my first real article about the results of that survey.   

Although my writing was leagues from Pulitzer Prize caliber, I can still remember Mr. Hoover’s praise for my first stories.  I could tell that regardless of how well I wrote, he was simply happy that I was interested in journalism and wanted to throw myself into it.   He taught me how to tighten my sentences, avoid subjective phrases, and make the articles clearer and more interesting.  I immediately realized that I was working with a true pro and I marveled at the interest he took in guiding the Lasso writers in the right direction.  I also was amazed at the amount of freedom and creativity that the Lasso staff enjoyed.   In fact, I regret not devoting more time to stepping out of the box and trying something new -- I know that Mr. Hoover would have supported my efforts completely.   

Over the years, I learned that he is one of the most uncritical people I have ever met, as well as one of the most helpful and motivating.  To Mr. Hoover, every writer has potential and every article can be made into something exceptional.

Mr. Hoover always expected a lot out of his reporters, especially those who showed real interest in journalism. I was forced to break out of my timidity and conduct interviews; I had to stop procrastinating in order to write articles quickly.  And during the last three years, I had to become a leader and help other students, even when I felt completely unqualified.  I was able to accomplish all of that primarily because I felt I had Mr. Hoover’s support behind me.  He would help me to correct whatever mistakes I made and he would listen to any concern I might have.    

I have so much respect for Mr. Hoover not only because he has guided me and allowed me to grow as a journalist and editor but also because he is a genuinely wonderful person and teacher.  Having been at school in Falls Church for twelve years, I’ve heard my fair share of grumbling about how unfair teachers are and how they can’t understand their students.  Yet I can not imagine anyone saying this about Mr. Hoover -- he is fair, he does understand his students, and he is usually more enthusiastic about their work and their talents than they are.  Even as head of the English department with 37 years of teaching behind him, he has always been completely approachable and is always absolutely thrilled to learn about the achievements of any of his Masonites.  He is always willing to listen to students’ opinions and devote himself to helping them succeed in wherever their interests lie.           

Surprisingly, I did not actually have Mr. Hoover as a teacher until the second semester of my senior year, when I found out that I could finally fit Journalism into my schedule.  I will never forget the feeling I had when went into Mr. Hoover’s classroom and saw how pleased he was that I was there.  Seeing his enthusiasm and the confidence he had in me, I was just as eager to throw myself into Lasso Online as I had been as a freshman.  Now, a week before I graduate, it is very difficult to think that soon I’ll have to stop rushing to Mr. Hoover’s room to grab a camera; soon, I won’t have any articles to discuss with him.  He has been my mentor throughout high school and  I can hardly imagine what it would have been like without his humor, compassion, and unwavering dedication to me and all of his other students.  I have learned more about being a good writer, friend, teacher, and citizen by being around Mr. Hoover than from any class I have ever taken.   

I am so thankful that I decided to walk into Mr. Hoover’s room four years ago and bravely declare that I was going to be a part of Lasso Online.  It was without a doubt one of the best decisions of my life.