The first time I remember anything about the Arnold family was when I was in high school. Charles, the son, was in my class and Mr. and Mrs. Arnold and daughter, Charlyce, would attend some of the school events. I always liked Charles. He was a very good-mannered, soft-spoken young man who never failed to look me in the eye, give me a smile and speak politely whenever our paths crossed. I was sad to hear a few years back that he had passed way too soon.

I moved back to Brownfield to help care for my ailing parents and got a job teaching at Middle School. C.E was the assistant principal at the time and Brenda was a language arts teacher there. I saw that both Arnolds were very dedicated to their jobs. They weren’t working just for the money, as unfortunately some do. They really wanted every young person to be a successful, happy, and caring human being. As I reflect back on that now, I realize that one way they were teaching that was through example. Not only were they encouraging positive values, they were showing students what it was to live them.

After several years, I changed positions and began teaching at BHS. The Middle School principal resigned and Mr. Arnold was named to replace him. Brenda could no longer work in Middle School if he was her supervisor so she was moved to BHS. Her room was next to mine. I was proud to have her as a co-worker in the English department.

Although we haven’t been around each other as often since we all left the teaching profession, I was always happy to see them when I could. I considered them my friends. We loved to reminisce and laugh about old times and catch up on what we had missed since we had last seen each other.

C. E. will be missed. I wish Brenda and Charlyce the best and know they will cherish the memories.

With all the problems and changes in schools today, I hope some of our educators will take the challenge and step up like C. E. and Brenda did to lead by example. Education is more than book learning. It’s learning to be a good human too.

Author: GlendaCameron
Author, writer, radio host, and educator Glenda Cameron has been co-host of TownTalk since 2006. In addition, she serves as Media Producer and contributing writer to www.towntalkradio.com. She began her radio career in Littlefield, Texas, at KZZN, later moving to KJAK and KFRE in Lubbock. Glenda’s hobbies include guitar, piano, and scanography.