Over the last 15 months I have found it incredibly difficult to focus on anything other than what we’ve lost, and what COVID-19 has taken away from us. I remember a similar feeling after some of the other “generational events” that I have been alive for. Sometimes, after the dust has settled, after the arrival of the “new normal”, and after the human spirit rises above the conflict, some of the most beautiful stories emerge.
After the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, one of my good friends and colleagues, Joe Glaser, put a quote into each of our mailboxes here at Stoney Creek High School that read, “to this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers, so many caring people in this world.” This quote from Fred Rogers brought some calm and clarity to how to move forward, as an educator, with a classroom filled with unsettled students.
When I teach about World War One I tend to highlight the new war technologies, the horrors of the trenches, and the transition from traditional war weapons to machine guns, airplanes, tanks, gas, etc. I purposely highlight the darkness, destruction, and loss of life to highlight to my students how different this global event was. I have never once mentioned Louise LeBreton, Suzanne Prevost, Bertha Hunt, Helen Hill, or even Grace Banker...Mr. Rogers would be so disappointed in me.
These women were so much more than “helpers”, they were brave, honest, earnest, and proud, United States soldiers. When challenges were thrown their way they met the challenges head-on and helped to turn the tide of the war for the US and our allies. Their story, despite being largely ignored for 60+ years, is a story that I am so happy to share with all of you tonight and during a weekend where we remember all who have served our country in the armed services.
On March 11, 2020, I stood in front of the cast and crew of Mamma Mia! and we discussed ways in which we could be more cautious, more cleanly, and safe, in the coming days/weeks of our production. March 11 was the last day that this particular group was ever in the same place, at the same time. Since that day, 440+ days ago, the students who make up the Stoney Creek High School Theatre Company, despite all-odds, have now put-on three full-scale productions. The first show was completely digital and done almost entirely through Zoom. The second production took place live with a limited audience, a fully masked cast and crew, and socially distanced blocking. This musical, The Hello Girls, has faced so many obstacles but our students have overcome each one.
