After many years teaching in Temple City, Dr. Bill Schmidt moved to Lone Pine, CA, where he became Superintendent of Schools. In the 1950s and 60s, being a blind teacher made one an instant celebrity, but most students came away understanding Schmidt's star qualities transcended his disability.
Ray Watters '62 notes: "Bill Schmidt was my 8th grade teacher at Oak Avenue School from '57 to '58.
"The accompanying photo of (us) was taken in 1995 when I roasted him at his retirement in Lone Pine, CA. At that time, he was Superintendent of Schools in Lone Pine and I lived in Ridgecrest, which is just a bit south.
"I had the speech all planned, but had to intervene when I said, 'Bill...you haven't changed a bit!' There was going to be some reference to Grecian Formula, but he spoke up and said, "Geez Ray, I thought I was blind!" That brought the biggest laugh of the evening."
(The editors invite registered users to submit their Bill Schmidt stories. While you are signed in a comment form appears below this article. We suggest you write your story off line and paste it to the form, lest all those good grammar teachers from TC schools arise and castigate you for your spelling.)
Alumni News Views
☰
A Dr. Bill Schmidt Moment from Ray Watters
Comments
lsteitz - Apr 5, 2008, 4:54 PM
Bill Schmidt is a tremendous gentleman. I doubt he remembers me but after I graduated from TCHS in 1975, he used me as an assistant wrestling coach at Oak Avenue Jr High. I learned much from him that year and I've never forgotten him. I saw his picture here and just had to send a quick comment. Thanks!
Sign in to post a comment!
ASSOC. EDITOR NEEDED Info
Categories
Recent Posts
- Baby it's ??? outside!
- Business Directory Returns!
- Alumni offspring needs a hand
- TCHS Girls CIF Volleyball Champs
- Class Reunion Cruise // Canceled - No Group Reservation
- Class of '74 Photo
- Torosian's Broomball reaches bookstore shelves
- TC to Celebrate 100th Year
- US News: TCHS in top 6 percent of nation's high schools
- Less Than 30 Days Until the Class of 1978's - 45th/All Class Reunion
- Class of '78 Strikes Again after Previous Home Run
- SSA: Be Aware This Holiday Season
- 1960 Football Art
- 50th Reunion - Class of 1973
No, you're not wrong. The order of articles in the News changes as updates and reader comments are added, placing more recent content at the top of the list. We hope this enhances your experience.