I got an invitation most every teacher dreams about. But first I need to tell you about this student:
I remember my students. I love them. Some stick with me more than others, and Colin was one of those students. He was always smiling and laughing. He adored Milly the quilter, and he was quite the artist. Back in 2016 his masterpiece for the Art Show was incredible, a replication of a Claude Monet.
The next year, his art masterpiece was equally incredible. He nailed Kandinsky. Colin’s talents went beyond art. He loved music and singing. When I brought my record player into school, he was spellbound by musicals. I played my Rodgers and Hammerstein records; “The King and I”, “The Sound of Music”, and “Oklahoma” were his favorites.
We had a grand circus performance for families that year. It was so much fun for children. They were tigers, poodles, clowns, and acrobats. Guess who was the ringmaster? Yup, Colin.
That’s the backstory of Colin when he was in my class. Fast forward to today.
His mother emailed me the day after Colin had been cast as the lead in the fourth grade musical, “Oliver.” Yes, Colin was Oliver. She asked if I would come to the show, ‘since I was such an inspiration to Colin in his early singing days’. Oh my! And, she wanted me to be a surprise for Colin. Yes, this is the invitation teachers dream about.
Here is Colin’s photo on the billboard.
My goodness, he has grown:
When I arrived for the show, his mother was waiting to greet me. I was invited to sit with the family, including grandparents from Virginia. Honestly, Mom and Dad were over the moon that I was there. I was, too.
The show’s staging and props were elaborate, more like a high school performance. The lights went down, the show started, and here is Colin’s solo, “Where is love?”:
Yes, he was wonderful! Pitch perfect, heartfelt singing. After the show came the surprise for Colin- me! Mom had her camera ready.
I was out of control. Colin was beside himself. We were one.
When students remember, it is a treasure for a teacher. My heart is full. Thank you, Colin.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Nice
Thank you.
How lovely, Jennie 🤗
Thank you, Ritu! 🥰
Awwww!!!!
I know! I’m still singing the music. 🥰
😊
What a thrill, Jennie! Get his autograph now before he hits the big time.
It certainly was a thrill. Don. I’m still humming the music and smiling. I hope I get invited to his next performance.
so wonderful, the best!
Thank you, Beth. I hope I get invited to his next big performance.
Bravo, Colin!! Applause, applause!
Hear, hear!
😀
How rewarding to see what he has become!
Very much so!
Great story, Jennie.
Thank you, John.
Hi Jennie, thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us!
I’m so glad you liked it, Charles! Thank you.
How special. This must have made your heart sing!!
Oh, it did! I’m still humming away. 🙂
And what a fantastic voice for one so young. xo
Yes!! You could have heard a pin drop when he sang. It was perfect, and he is only 9 or 10.
What a joy! When he is starring on Broadway, I am sure he will get you a VIP ticket, Jennie. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
It was certainly a joy! I do hope he makes it to Broadway, and I can be there. Best to you, Pete.
That was wonderful. So happy for both of you. The joy of being a special teacher
Thank you, Sandra. Yes, joy is the word.
Oh Jennie… I read this, between wiping tears to see your words… Such joy and those photos.. Amazing…. Well done to Colin and it just confirms to me what a fantastic teacher you are…
Wonderful…. You also filled My Heart Jennie.. just reading… ❤ ❤ ❤
Thank you for sharing .. ❤
Thank you, Sue. My heart is still full with joy, and I’m so glad it filled your heart. It was a very special event for me. Aren’t the old photos precious?
Wonderful story! Wonderful singing! Wonderful relationship between teacher and student and student’s family! Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!
Thank you, Will! You know how much I love music, and introduce it to my preschoolers. To think that he has gone from loving my old Rodgers and Hammerstein record albums to being the lead in a musical. My, my! Yes, I echo all of your hurrahs. Surely I am the luckiest teacher in the world.
Beyond beautiful, Colin and Jennie… 💞
Thank you, Bette. 🥰
So special!
Thank you!
I LOVE this!!! I will be a first year teacher in August (7th and 8th) and your posts make me strong when I am nervous. Colin sounds incredible!
I’m so glad! I love reaching out to teachers. When children know you love them (and they figure that out quickly), teaching is easier and fun. The best thing you can do is read aloud every day. Start on day-one and find a time that fits. For 7th and 8th grade, “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio is terrific. Many thanks!
Thank you!!!!
You’re welcome!
These are some of the best moments of teaching, especially when a student or their parents want you to be a part of their big moments. To see them in their element and doing something that brings them joy is the best! I’m looking forward to attending the wedding of one of my former third-grade students in September.
Yes, yes!! These are the best moments. How lucky we are to be part of our students’ lives long after they have left our class. Joy is the perfect word. How exciting to be going to a wedding in September!
Oh my, Jennie. That song brought tears to my eyes. What a fabulous voice and presence Colin has. He’s going to go as far as he wants to in life. And you helped light the fire. Thanks so much for sharing. ❤ ❤
I’m so glad you liked this, Diana. Yes, what a voice, and what a great kid. Thanks so much. 💕
Wow, he’s good! What an exciting reunion for you both! 💗
Yes, and yes! 🥰
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you, Michael!
Thank you for the great information, Jennie! xx Michael
You are welcome, Michael!
What a wonderful meeting, Jennie! He sounds wonderful, and you can feel honored to made all this possible! xx Michael
I felt very honored! It was truly wonderful.
I also think so, because it has shown the best remembrance one can get. xx Michael
Exactly!
Thank you for the tears of Joy, Jennie. Bless you for all that you are and all that you do for others!!!
Thank you, Ren!
You are so loved by all your students Jennie. A beautiful song. ❤
It is a great joy, Debby. What a song!
That’s amazing and what a great teacher and lady you must be!
Thank you.
Pure joy!
Yes! ❤️
The joy of being a teacher at its best.
Indeed it is! Thank you, Dayne.
Really appreciate you Jennie! You treat the students as own kids. God bless you with all the happiness of the life.
Thank you so much!
You are most welcome 😊
This post really warmed my heart, Jennie! What a wonderful surprise and a talented young man he turned out to be! 🙂 Life is so full of joy! 🙂
I’m so glad, Jen! It was such a ‘moment’ for me. Yes, he is a great kid with a super voice. Life really is full of joy. 😍
Thank you.
Jennie your post is so beautiful and lovely. You treat your students as your children. Thanks a lot.
I do treat my students as my own children. Thank you!
HI Jennie, I love the musical of Oliver and young Colin has done this song proud. What a wonderful time for you.
Hi Robbie, I love musicals. When I was 10 years old, I was given the choice of taking a group of friends to an amusement park, or taking one friend to see the musical “Oklahoma.” The rest is history. Colin was incredible, and the fact that I was invited was a thrill. Yes, it was a wonderful time for me.
Marvelous, Jennie. We saw Oklahoma in London and it was amazing.
One of the best! What is your favorite musical?
Ooooh, that is a tough question but I have to go with Phantom of the Opera. I loved the book and have seen it live 4 times 💓
That’s a great choice!
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Thank you.
Wow he was fantastic! This is such a beautiful post, what a wonderful moment for you both. 😁
He was. Thank you so much.
What a remarkable surprise. And dreams come true for colin.
Yes, indeed!
What an amazing story!! I am 52 and remember almost every one of the teachers I had in school. I am lucky enough to still be friends with many of them.
I was a band student and my friendship with my high school band director lasted right up until he passed away two years ago. He was a wonderful mentor and friend.
I just stumbled on your blog, but will be following it. Thank you for what you do! Teachers are SO important. You make a difference. The story of Colin is proof!
Thank you! Your story is also proof of how important teachers are. You are fortunate to have had many wonderful teachers. I’m so glad I’m a teacher!
Toward the end of high school, I wanted to teach. I stumbled into a radio job before I could go to college, so I did that for years.
I have had the opportunity to do some presentations at school career days, as well as teach a class or two at the college I attended for my sleep program. I loved it and wish I had pursued it.
I have a few blogs on my site dedicated to those teachers who impacted my life. I hope that they knew how much they made a difference.
That is wonderful!
Awe i love stage plays! I used to play as Annie back in 2001
That’s wonderful!
Thank you
You’re welcome.
That’s good.
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Thank you.
Heartwarming story 😍
Thank you.
Nice
Check out my blog! I’m a teacher too
This is so heartwarming
Thank you!
Congratulations 🎇
Thank you.
Such a treat for you both. I am so glad they invited you, Jennie!
It was the best, Dan! I hope I get invited when he has a middle school performance. 🙂
This kid might someday invite you to see him n Broadway!
Wouldn’t that be wonderful!!
Wow, what a talent from such a young man. Oliver is one of my favourites, as I was in it in gradeschool, many years ago. You and he were very lucky to share this experience, even if he didn’t know you were there until after.