Josh Aldridge
Mr. Russell was the first teacher I can recall who instilled a deep love and appreciation of history for me at a young age. He opened my eyes up to how history, even ancient events of the past half a world away, can shape and impact the times we live in today. Furthermore, the dude had excellent taste in music. I was an awkward, somewhat shy kid but he never failed to get me into a spontaneous conversation about music. Whether it was noticing a t shirt of a band I was wearing, or overhearing me talk about a classic rock album I liked, he always made me feel welcome and included. Those small kindnesses still reverberate to this day. They helped me get over a rough middle school aged anxiety barrier and I'm greatly appreciative of it. For him, it was just another day at work but for me, it was like the world had opened up for the very first time. We as a society need more educators like him, especially in the times we live in. People who make quiet, dorky kids feel embraced and welcomed into not only their classrooms, but the community at large. Teachers who push their students to not only look back into history, but inward of themselves. The kind of educator who genuinely cared about what they taught and the students that they helped usher into adulthood. The world is a much poorer place without him in it. I wish his family peace and the small consolation that his life's work changed this dorky kid for the better. I'm sure wherever he is, the music is always rocking.
