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Caroline M. |
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| Caroline Moore Lagemann could have written the book on serving her fellow human beings. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say she has rewritten it. For the lifelong teacher, the winning of the 22nd annual Grindstone Award was the high point in her lifelong love affair with humanity, and, in particular, its children. Caroline has always considered herself a Berean, though she received her education in Medina county and attended college in Cleveland at Schauffler College. She began teaching in Cleveland during W.W.II, and it was here that she had her first encounter with her lasting love, nursery school teaching. Married to husband Al in 1947, Caroline taught kindergarten in Berea for three years. She then started one of the earliest cooperative nursery schools in this area, in Parma in 1952. These were the beginnings of a profession in which she has been deeply involved for more than 40 years. Though Al's job in heavy construction took them out of the state several times over the years, they always came back to their home in Berea. Each time they returned, Caroline resumed her work with preschool children with the same love, concern and dedication. Now retired from active teaching, her latest nursery school assignment is at First United Church of Christ where she also taught Sunday school for a number of years. Importantly, her concern follows her ex-pupils throughout their school years and into their adult lives. When Caroline sees a parent of a former pupil she often inquires about how "Johnny" or "Susie" is doing. As one of her friends says "she always brings sunshine on a gloomy day." Caroline is always ready to assist people with a gift of money, food or perhaps just a cheery word. She never fails to listen to other peoples' problems, which she will put above her own. Caroline radiates goodness, to young and to old throughout the Berea Community and is one of that Community's greatest assets. She was not present to receive the trophy at the Awards ceremony due to illness, but it is characteristic of Caroline Lagemann that, upon being informed of her Award, she replied I have received more than I have given." Most Bereans would question that statement. |
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| Presented March 22, 1988 | Baldwin-Wallace College Union | ||||||||||