John AutryEducator Appreciation Alert: Say hello to Larry Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler was one of my 8th grade teachers at Sunnyside in Vander, NC. My experience with him made ME want to be a teacher. He was funny, sarcastic, cynical, compassionate and a gifted educator.
My grandparents moved to Murchison Rd. that summer and I attended Pine Forest HS in the fall. When I arrived that first day there was Mr. Wheeler greeting students. He was now going to teach Civics and US History.
I was in one of his classes senior year and he made the experience fun and enjoyable as he had when I was his student in the 8th grade. Yes he was funny but he didn't play around. His humor was a mechanism to teaching. His class wasn't easy by any means and it was enjoyable. I was challenged and I benefited greatly.
I looked forward to his class every day. Because I knew it was going to be fun, it just happened to provide me with some knowledge along the way. I know he taught me a lot about US History. He taught me even more about being a smart ass. I am thankful for both those gifts. Gifts that I benefit from every day.
Regrettably Larry passed away in 2023. Fortunately I had the opportunity to share with him the impact he had on my life. Thanks for everything Mr. Wheeler.
