I remember it clearly—sixth-grade solo competition and I was nervous. I had convinced myself I couldn’t play. I told Mr. Dyer that maybe I’d just sit this one out. There was always next year, right? Mr. Dyer listened to my worries, and then he asked me to imagine the worst situation. What if I walked into that room with the judges staring, and I played my clarinet and it sounded horrible—all squeaks and honks. What if the performance was so bad the judges couldn’t even rate it and they laughed! Mr. Dyer assured me the worst would not happen, and even if it did, I’d make it through and I’d get back on the school bus and return to things that sustained me: shelter and food and family. He told me all this with such ease. He always knew how to put things into perspective.

Mr. Dyer may have shared words of comfort with you, too. Or maybe he pushed you to discover your own talents. We all have our memories of the man. I’m sure that in some way he has inspired each and every one of us. He taught us not only to play but to play well, and we learned to work as a team. We didn’t always voice our appreciation of his efforts—we were, after all, self-righteous teenagers—but respect was often understood. Mr. Dyer brought glory to the Highland community. We remember the ribbons; we remember the trophies; we remember “eyes with pride.”

Now is the time to show Mr. Dyer our appreciation and it’s time to offer him comfort, too. Mr. Dyer has been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer. Let's show him that we care. The money we raise will go directly to Mr. Dyer and his wife, Linda. Our donations might go toward medical expenses or garden tools or drinks at the Java House! Whatever the case, whatever the dollar amount, Mr. Dyer will know that we're thinking of him during this difficult time.

With your contribution, you honor the past and acknowledge the present. Thank you!

Dee Thomann

Class of '97