Comments

Volume 9, Issue 11 - Feature #2500

Can't Write Poetry

I have a story about Miss Faye Duke. I had her for English Lit as a senior in the 65-66 school year. I wasn not, repeat NOT a good studier and as such, I would just get by with as little as possible. Miss Duke didn't like that in me and one time pretty much read me the riot act. She told me that I'd better start studying or I'd fail the course. I of course then crammed for the next test and when we got the papers back, she had written at the top of mine, HPM. Not knowing what the meant, she told me in front of everyone in the class that meant "high point man". Now she knew what I was capable of and so did everyone else. However, I still only did what was necessary to pass the course. However, I will never forget Miss Duke and her HPM.

Floyd Thompson - 2007-03-18 12:44:49

When I was a junior (or senior) at AHS (late 70's), we held a Gong Show to raise money. I denied this then, but I will admit to it now. Five of us dressed up in choir robes and high top sneakers. Four of us danced and the fifth played bongos. We put pantyhose over our heads to hide our identities, and performed a semi-original composition, entitled "Huguley" in honor of teacher Doris Huguley, to the tune of "Jubilee." I just happen (grin) to remember the lyrics...not that I had anything to do with them or anything... (smirk). (Chorus:) Huguley, Huguley, you're invited to this happy Huguley... Huguley, Huguley, you're invited to this happy Huguley... (end of Chorus) Whether typing or accounting, whatever you may need, Huguley...Huguley... If it's grammar you are needing, it is her specialty, Huguley...Huguley... (repeat Chorus) She is happy, she is cheerful, She's always filled glee, Huguley...Huguley... You can't tell if she is joking, or giving you a D, Huguley...Huguley... (repeat Chorus) ...and we won!

Scott Downs - 2007-03-18 09:21:01

I graduated in 1960, and I had Miss Duke for Senior English. She also submitted our poetry to some Anthology, and I remember getting mine published in it. I think I still have a copy of the Anthology somewhere. Miss Duke was a little frail thing, prim and proper, but hard as nails as a teacher. One day, as she was walking down the hall, she tripped and fell. I heard her quietly say "Oh Damn!" Then she picked herself up and continued walking down the hall. The Senior English term paper for Miss Duke was a real "bear," and took a lot of time and effort to complete. I was so glad to get that class behind me. Later, after completing my 1st term paper as a freshman in college, I thought, "Wow, that wasn't so bad," while everyone else in the class was moaning and groaning. Much later, as I finished my doctoral thesis, I was again appreciative of Miss Duke's instruction. It saved me a lot of money, because I typed my thesis myself...and that was before computers. Thanks, Miss Duke! And...Thank you for your work on the Journal. I always look forward to getting the latest issue. Anyone else have a story about Miss Duke? She was one of a kind.

Gary D. Tanner - 2007-03-18 02:36:33

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