This is a special one. For the past 20 years I have been a "neighbor" of some kind to Mrs. Dunton. For a few years we shared space in what was called the "cart cave." This was a small room with about 5 or 6 desks, a few filing cabinets, and then a bunch of carts. We teachers who didn't have a classroom called the Cart Cave home. Lisa and I lived there, together, trying desperately to stay organized.

When the new high school opened up she and I were blessed with our own classroom. I was room 1110 and she was room 1111. We were right next to each other.

Every single day Lisa would walk into my room and say "good morning neighbor." I could count on it daily. We shared a love of history, a love of our students, and an appreciation for organized chaos. We would both joke often about how we drew encouragement from the messiness of each others desk, knowing we were both kindred spirits in lack of organization.

Mrs. Dunton loves being a teacher, and she prides herself in caring equally for every single one of her students. In the classroom she spent an extraordinary amount of time holding kids accountable and helping them become the best versions of themselves.

Her life outside of the classroom is intriquing. As you hear about it you will agree with me in that it would make an amazing Hallmark movie.

I will miss seeing Mrs. Dunton in the hallways of THS. Our school will not be the same without her, and it is certainly better because of her.

I hope you enjoy this episode as she and I reflect back on an amazing career, and conversate about an exciting future.

Mrs. Dunton, THANK YOU for your commitment to Tallmadge High School. We all wish you only the best in your repurposed life.

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