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Brooke Walker reporting Any history book will teach lessons of sacrifice, patriotism and democracy. But students at Lincoln Academy in Pleasant Grove get an experience beyond any book.
That's because their history teacher, Mr. Durrant, also goes by the title of Master Sergeant. And before they say good-bye to him, they wanted to say thanks. So we gave him this week's High 5.
Master Sgt. Charles Durrant uses his military stories and experiences to bring history lessons alive. Teachers and parents agree those experiences have helped his students gain a greater appreciation for the price of freedom.
As Mr. Durrant prepares to leave for his second tour in Afghanistan, his students are very proud of their teacher. But that doesn't mean they won't miss him.
Ninth grader Maegan Jacot said, "I didn't really know a lot about the war. I just knew there was something going on over there. But he has really helped me know why we had to go over there and everything that is happening over there."
The academy's office manager, Lisa Coombs, helped us present this morning's High 5. She told Mr. Durrant, "The students, the teachers, the faculty and board are so pleased with how you inspire these students to learn, how you make history come alive and how you keep them wanting to come to our school every day."
Mr. Durrant said, "I'm simply a soldier and I'm their teacher, and there is nothing heroic in what I do. It's just my life and really a simple thing."
Mr. Durrant received a KSL Swag Bag and tickets to see the Auto Show at the South Towne Expo Center. He deploys on Jan. 20. Also, he was on Studio 5 earlier this morning.
If you'd like to nominate someone for a High 5, go to the link on this page.
