Piney Point Elementary School had their Farewell/Graduation ceremony this past Friday. My Grandson Shawn was presented with the Art Russavage Award which was nice for several reasons. Number one, the award is quite an honor as it is presented each year to a student in recognition of his or her performance. So, as Brady stated above we are all very proud of Shawn to have received this honor.
But for me it meant a lot more. Art was a fixture at Piney Point School for a number of years and he taught my son Brady in the 5th grade. After suffering through some tough years in Catholic school, Brady landed at Piney Point where Art became his primary teacher. Brady and Art had their moments, but Brady always respected Art and managed to get through the 5th grade successfully. I always appreciated Art for his efforts in this matter.
Years later, in 1993, I was in Church one morning when the priest mentioned praying for Art who at the time was in the hospital and not doing well. From Church, I went to the hospital in Leonardtown and visited with Art for awhile. In doing so, I told him how much I appreciated all of his efforts with Brady. He just smiled and said something to the effect that it wasn’t that big deal and that he was just doing his job. I knew better. Art was the consummate teacher who was firm but fair and knew how to reach out, connect with and manage those students who didn’t always go along with the program. I’m glad I got to express my appreciation to Art because he passed away the next day after I visited him.
And then Friday, 23 years later at the same Piney Point School to have a Grandson receive an honor named after Art is kinda cool in a full circle kind of way. I hope that somewhere right now Art appreciates all this as much as I do. Thank you again Art.
