Trouble in School: part 14

I’ve missed not having the lessons of a biology class many times. and Mr. S.R. Counselor was probably far wiser than I thought at the time.

Every senior was interviewed by the school Vocational Guidance Counselor. Mr. S.R.Counselor’s first remark to me was that I hadn’t met all graduation requirements. I knew what my grades were ‘good enough’ and didn’t yet know about the hole in Miss Doitover’s grade book.¹I’ll tell you in part-15.

His reply to my ‘why’ question, was something like, “You don’t have a biology grade. Perhaps it just got missed. Who was your teacher?”

A full year of Biology was required for graduation from Central High School. Most took the class as sophomores.

My answer was probably, “I never had bio.” Then I told him I didn’t know I had to take the class. When he told me everyone knew, I was probably snarky when I said someone in authority should have known the year before and I could still have taken it as a senior.

He called Mr. H.S. Prin and the requirement was waived. Since there was no summer school for that class, the only other option was to take another year of school for one class.

What I remember most is Mr. S.R. Counselor’s closing remark. “Benson, the Army would probably be a good career choice for you.”

I took that to mean, “Benson, you aren’t qualified for much, so you should enlist.”

No! I didn’t think he had evil in his heart. But his Army comment hit me to the core and stayed with me for many years. When I got my MS in Education Administration, I sent him a copy of my diploma from Portland State University without comment.

In retrospect, he probably saw no future for me in Alexandria and meant I needed to get out of town for my own good.

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