Our Viewpoint

Early Tuesday morning I heard my first "cheeseburger" bird of the season. Now I know it's not really called a cheeseburger bird, and hopefully someone will have the answer of what species it is. But I distinctly remember standing in line on the playground in second grade and Mrs. Calvert getting our attention by listening closely for the bird that sings "cheese-bur-ger."

I'm lucky enough that I get to live in my hometown and now I get to share memories such as the cheeseburger bird with my former teachers. Over the weekend, I was a judge for 4-H demonstrations and sat in my third-grade classroom. When Sue Garrison comes in to The Ledger, I like to say "how's my favorite kindergarten teacher?"

I've often said I could never be a teacher. It seems like so much work and so much pressure, being such a significant part of kids' lives. One of the blessings that comes from living in a small town is this lifelong connection we have with our teachers. They work so hard to make a difference.

When you have a "cheeseburger bird" moment and remember those lessons big or small from a teacher, make sure you let them know what that meant to you.

— Annie Wooden