Hi everyone,
It was one year ago today that Sue's legacy began here on earth and her presence in Heaven began. I can't imagine how much fun everyone is having with Sue's presence in Heaven's gardens and baseball fields.
Well, what a wonderful weekend in Tigard. A baseball field named after her, a big sign saying "Go Be Mighty" hangs in Fowler Middle school hallways, a scholarship fund to support the geography and spelling bee and a brick in front of the Tigard library with her name on it. Not to mention how many people reflected on her loss and the impact she had on their lives. Now that's leaving your mark here on earth. Well done Sue!
Below is the article from the Oregonian published over the weekend. My mom had a stellar performance speaking for the family and handing out scholarship money to the spelling and geography bee winners.
Tigard's Fowler Middle School dedicates baseball field in honor of former teacher Susan McCormickThe baseball field at Fowler Middle School was officially renamed "Susan McCormick Field" on Friday.
TIGARD -- There was a crowd of hundreds gathered around the diamond. A singing of The Star-Spangled Banner. A ceremonial first pitch. Even a performance of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
It's not baseball season just yet, but it felt like it Friday at Fowler Middle School. And everyone seemed to agree: Susan McCormick would have loved it.
"It's wonderful," said Carolyn McCormick, Susan's mother. "I know that Susan would be thrilled, and just be beaming today."
Susan McCormick died of cancer almost exactly one year ago. She was 52. She spent the previous 10 years as a teacher at Fowler, and made a large impact on the school during that time.
McCormick was an avid baseball fan her entire life -- her father played in the major leagues for the San Francisco Giants, and she grew up around the game. After her death, the school decided to honor McCormick's memory by naming its baseball field after her. Friday's dedication ceremony made it official when Carolyn unveiled the new sign reading "Susan McCormick Field." On the backstop hung a banner with the words "Go be mighty!" -- a phrase Susan often used to encourage her students.
Susan's brother, Matt McCormick, tossed the ceremonial first pitch at the newly dedicated field. A former student of Susan's waited for it behind home plate.
Carolyn McCormick, Susan McCormick's mother, speaks during a dedication ceremony at the Fowler Middle School baseball field Friday.
The event also marked the beginning of a new tradition at the school. With nearly the entire Fowler student body looking on, Carolyn handed $100 scholarship awards to each of the winners of this year's annual spelling and geography bees. The scholarships will be given in Susan McCormick's name, and the winners names' etched onto a plaque at the school. Susan herself established both competitions at Fowler during her time there.
"She thought it was so important to have that here," Carolyn said.
Susan continued to teach even after her cancer diagnosis, including part of last school year.
She died March 6, 2010. About eight months later, her beloved Giants finally claimed a long-awaited World Series championship.
"That was all her," Matt said, grinning.
Fowler teacher Ali Massey, who arrived at the school the same year as Susan, served as emcee for the event. When she found out about the field dedication, Massey said she jumped at the chance to help out and honor her colleague.
"She was an amazing woman," Massey said, later adding, "She left her mark, in more ways than one."
-- Eric Florip Oregonianlive.com
Now, GO BE MIGHTY!!!
