One of the most memorable things about Lucas is his voice. Or should I say: HIS VOICE!!! Lucas has one of those incredible voices that carry unbelievably well... even when he is just talking to the person beside him. Just last night, I was walking down Robson street when all of a sudden: "MISTER WAAAAAADGE!!!!". It was clear. It was loud. It was Lucas (in a car passing by). Aaaaargh!!! Turns out that it was NOT Lucas after all. It was Ted W!! Thanks to Ted's mom for letting me know (even if it DOES ruin this blog post... and make me look foolish!)
There are so many things to admire about Lucas:
- he gets involved in lots of things at school. Duke of Ed, Student Council, Link Crew (I think), etc. Lucas is eager to participate and gives back to others in our school.
- Lucas is a warm and friendly guy. This is something I noticed even before I taught Lucas (in grades 10, 11, and 12). I saw this guy all over the school, talking and laughing with all sorts of different people. He always seemed totally at ease and others seemed to like spending time with him. It was Ms. E, I believe, who first told me that this mystery man was Lucas.
- Lucas plays (and loves) baseball. What a truly intelligent boy! (Mind you, his favourite team is the - yuck! - Boston Red Sox! Guess he's not as smart as I thought)
- Lucas also likes the Seattle Seahawks (good man!)
- Lucas isn't afraid of hard work. I remember the time in Foundations 11 when students had to demonstrate a construction using only a straight-edge (ruler with no numbers on it) and compass. Somehow, Lucas learned how to make a regular (all angles and sides the same) pentagon. That's complicated stuff!!
We were leaving Nice for our trip home. Unfortunately, as we passed through customs, Lucas was told that the gift he had for his mom (I can't remember what it was. Honey? Jam?) could not be taken in his carry-on. In other words, he had to get rid of it.
Fast forward to our stop-over in Frankfurt. After buying his mom a new present (again, I can't remember what it was. Some kind of meat?), Lucas noticed on his baggage card that the last city listed was Frankfurt. No Toronto (our next stop-over) and no Vancouver. After inquiring about this once and being assured it was no problem, Lucas (understandably) was still concerned and went to ask someone else. Unfortunately, the first person he asked spotted Lucas and raced over to berate him ("I already told you!! Do you think I am a liar?" etc).
Off to Toronto. Guess whose luggage does not show up? We are racing to get our last flight home. Ms. E takes all the other kids ahead while Lucas and I budge to the front of a line to inquire about his bags. The lady (very kindly) remarks: "why would anyone think it would get here? It says right on your card it should stop in Frankfurt. So that's where it is...".
Darn! Off we run to get to our plane in time. Unfortunately, there is one last stop. Customs again...
Customs agent: anything to declare?
Lucas: [proudly]: Just this meat for my mom.
Customs agent [bored]: Yeah, that isn't going with you. You'll have to leave it here.
Lucas [panicked]: No! I need that meat! I need that meat!
I managed to get him to give up the meat (we had a plane to catch after all) but I thought we were going to have big trouble when he started yelling (remember his BIG voice) at the top of his lungs "I hate this country. I hate this country".
Hahaha! Poor Lucas (and too bad for his mom. No gift!).
Anyway, it's been great teaching you, Lucas. You have always been very personable and friendly. I REALLY enjoyed travelling with you in France. Thanks for all the laughs and the good memories. I know that you - with your intelligence and great people skills - will be very successful in the future. I wish you all the best!