Turning the Redfield School Around

“On my first summer following graduation from Hendrix, I taught school in Redfield, Arkansas, a school whose students had burned the school house the year prior. I was pleased to work with the students and turn the school into a success, with the aid of students older than me, some of whom had been in reform school. Working to develop strength in doing what is right, and honoring that in one another, students began to participate in class, no one failed, and many even participated in decorating the gym together for school dances.

During this time I recall greatly benefiting with the relationship I developed with Donald, who accompanied me back and forth commuting to and from Sheridan & Redfield. Donald’s brother, my best friend, had died that year. Donald, who was autistic, enriched my life with his presence on those drives.”