Many of us were deeply saddened to hear about the death of our beloved teacher, Theresa Roskovics Wieczerzak this week. Although we know she was seriously ill, the news still shocked us. Her obituary doesn't even come close to telling the world how important she was to us. Mrs. W. truly touched the lives of her students, families and staff, as she was part of the school district for so many years. The teaching partnership of Mr. and Mrs. W. was part of Division Avenue High School for a few generations and many of us were fortunate to have been taught by one or both of them.

The class of 1971 was very close to Mrs. W. and she was our class advisor. After graduation, she came to all of our reunions and kept in touch with many of us. There was a special bond between us and she delighted in hearing about our adventures and successes, as well as being saddened by our hurts and disappointments. In 1996, for the 25th reunion, we had prepared a tribute to her. It was also her 25th wedding anniversary year and she was very excited about these milestones. Unfortunately, just before the reunion, Mrs. W. discovered she was ill and was unable to attend.

We would like to share the tribute that Philip Cabibi wrote to honor her that evening. We think it expresses the love and gratitude so many of her former students feel about her.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Mr. W. and we hope that the love we send his way will help him through this difficult time,

Almost 30 years ago, way back in the 7th grade, some of us were fortunate enough to be introduced to a woman who would forever have a lasting effect on our lives.

When you stop to think about it, this woman saw us through puberty, going steady, getting our drivers license, going to the senior prom, and finally, our high school graduation. She cared for our class very much and still does. This caring individual still inquires about the well being and whereabouts of her now middle-age Class of '71.

I'm sure most of you can relate to the general feeling of paranoia as we sit down today and write a business or personal letter. Flashbacks of sitting in her class with her infamous "goose eggs' looming if she ever found the subject of a sentence in a prepositional phrase would make us sweat more than Jerry Jewell's gym class. We were taught at a very young age that her way was the right way. Her ways are still with us, even when our own kids' teachers attempt to tell us otherwise. We were lucky. To those of you who have your own children in one of her classes, they too will share in one of the greatest educational experiences they will ever encounter. They will also remember and appreciate her just as we have.

Twenty-five years ago, our yearbook was dedicated to this woman. The dedication page reads: "Thank you" is a phrase often used but seldom are we able to express the true feelings behind it. We find that words often can't reveal all that we want them to. It takes a rare person, who through their words, feelings and actions, can involve themselves in all the lives and activities of students. She is a very special and rare person, one who will always be somewhere within us all."

Tonight, as we celebrate our 25th year from graduating Division, she is still very much somewhere within us all. Her contribution of enriching our lives as she has done and continues to do, is so appreciated by all whose lives she has touched.

This reunion is the last of this century for the class of '71. Our 30th year reunion is in the year 2001. Hard to believe we will see the turn of a century. As we close another chapter of our lives this evening, we would like to express our gratitude in such a way that would exceed anything that has been done before. We wanted to be the first class to present an award that to our knowledge, has never been presented yet. (And if it has, we don't care anyway!) As far as the Division Avenue High School Class of '71 is concerned, she's the best teacher there ever was or ever will be. In our eyes, she is the best teacher of this century. She will forever hold a very special place in our hearts.

Terry Wieczerzak, on behalf of the 1971 graduating class of DAHS, we would like to present to you, the first ever, Teacher of the Century Award.