As an educator, Dan offers an incredible sense of humor to his teaching of Global History. The humor is in the details of his handouts and in the delivery of his narrative. I first 'saw' his humor several years ago as I walked into the HS and met a knight's full armor holding a poster that said, "You WILL pass your Global Regents" What a great way to reinforce to your students that you have confidence in them. Or perhaps it's the early morning study/review sessions that are held for his students before every quiz/test. Students hustle into the HS for 7 a.m. review complete with doughnuts provided by Dan. Is that a common practice by teachers today?

Or perhaps it's the review calendar that students and parents are provided for review at the end of the year. Nightly reviews...no, make that morning reviews, after school reviews followed by nightly reviews for Global I and Global II students to ensure that if they wish to meet success or have areas of history addressed, he'll do it with them in a friendly format. All this is happening evenings and WEEKENDS while other faculty are busy with activities outside the confines of the school building.

Oh, and did I mention the service given to the community through his affiliation with the fire department? He's at numerous athletic events as a member of the emergency squad. He's there on D-Day offering students a view at community service through the fire department and emergency services division.

And least we forget, his quiet leadership within the district. An aura of respect floats with Dan as he delivers thoughts, suggestions and opinions on committees and in meetings. Never one to raise his voice or make a wheel squeak, colleagues know that when Dan has something to say, it's worth it to listen.

Are there areas of leadership in Dan that I don't know about or that I've not mentioned? Of course, I don't know Dan well at all. I do know that he knows his students, he cares about his students and he cares about his community and acts on his beliefs. What more can be asked of a role model for young people and old people alike?