O P I N I O N
THE SOAPBOX
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As I was taking in the Closing Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics, I was shocked to read the news of the sudden passing of someone near and dear to both the Manchester Central High School community, but also the city community at large, and that was Ms. Abigail Gemme. Abigail was my Creative Writing Teacher my Junior Year at Central (Class of 2013) and she was someone who made an instant impression. It is quite difficult to sum up in a short piece just how much she meant to not only me, but also the CHS community at large, but I will do my best here.
My Junior Year was an important inflection point for me mentally and educationally. I had not really as of yet “found my passion” but was starting to take an interest in writing/journaling. Enter into the fold Ms. Gemme, with her warm and boisterous personality. I signed up for her Creative Writing course, both on word of mouth of prior students, and because of my growing interest in writing. What I found when I got there was a teacher who took a genuine, vested interest in each and every kid she had. She challenged us to think outside the box, did not let us bog ourselves down with self doubt, and wrapped her teaching style with warmth and care. While I am no acclaimed author to this day, I deeply credit both her and Ms. Sears (another fantastic CHS educator) with really helping me come out of my creative shell so to speak, and sparking what has continued to be a love and passion for writing.
Her impact went far beyond the classroom. It was impossible to attend any Central event, be it a soccer game, football, pep rally, or fundraiser, without bumping into Ms. Gemme and striking up a conversation. She could rattle off pretty much every kid’s name she had in class, their personality, and continued to stay in touch and took an interest in their lives long after they left the halls of Central. From coaching runners at Central, to being involved with Graduating Classes, Year Books and more, she truly bled Green in every sense of the word. Abigail Gemme was a one of a kind human being and both Central and Manchester as a whole will deeply miss her and the impact she had on so many. Her legacy is an inspiration to us all moving forward, and I cannot thank her enough for her impact on me.
Blake Tyler is a proud member of the Central High School Class of 2013, current Manchester resident, and currently works as a Site Manager for My Turn Inc.
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