Lisa Stern Taylor
I've been reading these posts for close to a week and have been moved, despite the fact that my contact with Mr. Trautwein was (unfortunately) limited. My sister, Patti, was involved in everything that Mr. Trautwein had to offer. My parents LOVED him. Perhaps that's why I didn't get involved--I think I spent a lot of energy in high school making sure that I didn't do anything to please them (what a waste of energy). In any event, Patti was the singer, the actress...and I was...the athlete. I couldn't sing, and when I did, my sister would laugh (lovingly). Although the benefit I received from Mr. Trautwein's magic and genius was through my sister, my experiences with others (Steve Jones, Bil Johnson, Tom Reistetter, Ms. O, Mr. Alloy, Ms. VanB, to name a few) at Blind Brook were life changing. I think that the turning point was in 11th grade when I took a course with Bil Johnson--I think it was actually called Political Science--that I realized that I was capable of analytical thought and an ability to write.
So what do I have to offer here? Not much--just an analytical thought that came to me while...spinning (how appropriate). Although naming the LGI after GT would be great, my guess is that it will require raising significant amounts to simply have a space named for him--something that may ultimately be meaningless to those occupying the space years later. How about using that money to start a foundation in his name to fund an artist in residence at BBHS? The criteria established for the artist in residence would ensure that his legacy lives on. Maybe a benefit in his honor to raise money for the foundation? Not to worry, I won't sing. But I'll sell tickets.
I've been reading these posts for close to a week and have been moved, despite the fact that my contact with Mr. Trautwein was (unfortunately) limited. My sister, Patti, was involved in everything that Mr. Trautwein had to offer. My parents LOVED him. Perhaps that's why I didn't get involved--I think I spent a lot of energy in high school making sure that I didn't do anything to please them (what a waste of energy). In any event, Patti was the singer, the actress...and I was...the athlete. I couldn't sing, and when I did, my sister would laugh (lovingly). Although the benefit I received from Mr. Trautwein's magic and genius was through my sister, my experiences with others (Steve Jones, Bil Johnson, Tom Reistetter, Ms. O, Mr. Alloy, Ms. VanB, to name a few) at Blind Brook were life changing. I think that the turning point was in 11th grade when I took a course with Bil Johnson--I think it was actually called Political Science--that I realized that I was capable of analytical thought and an ability to write.
So what do I have to offer here? Not much--just an analytical thought that came to me while...spinning (how appropriate). Although naming the LGI after GT would be great, my guess is that it will require raising significant amounts to simply have a space named for him--something that may ultimately be meaningless to those occupying the space years later. How about using that money to start a foundation in his name to fund an artist in residence at BBHS? The criteria established for the artist in residence would ensure that his legacy lives on. Maybe a benefit in his honor to raise money for the foundation? Not to worry, I won't sing. But I'll sell tickets.
