Perhaps the most compelling part of Jerry's biography is the numerous heartfelt testimonials of the profound influence he has had in the lives of his students. Virtually any OACS alumnus born between 1955 and 1985 can tell of a significant role Jerry has played in his or her life. Motivated by his own experiences growing up, Jerry vowed at an early age to be a teacher who could identify with and reach all kids he taught, even the most uncomfortable or isolated ones. His lifetime of going the extra mile again and again, and leading by his example, created a generation of students whose love of community and civics went far beyond anything that could merely be memorized from a textbook. Honored in 1974 as "Outstanding Young Educator" for both Genesee County and New York State, Jerry also served as President and other officer roles for the Oakfield-Alabama Teacher's Association. His civic involvement and contributions to Oakfield have been numerous, from organizing an elementary-age Saturday basketball program, to serving as a village trustee and deputy mayor, to numerous roles with youth sports, politics, and community service. Moreso than any single accomplishment he achieved however, it is through Jerry's indelible impression on so many students, of all levels of ability, who passed through OACS in the last third of the 20th century, that he will be best and longest remembered.