Power of a teacher

There are superheroes among us every day, you just might not recognize them without the special cape.

On Friday, Jan. 15, retired Clarke elementary teacher Mike Boldon was named a superhero by his current and former students.

A surprise ceremony was held in his honor for his 44 years in the school district.

“Thank you very much,” Boldon said. “This is quite a surprise. I’m overwhelmed.”

The theme song from the “Superman” movie was played as Boldon walked up to the front of the gymnasium.

Boldon has devoted countless hours to his work full-time and substitute teaching.

Good work

One by one, elementary students dressed as their own superheroes went down the line and said what they loved and admired most about Boldon during the ceremony.

The students mentioned the little things Boldon continuously does that make an impact.

Some examples were watering the plants, delivering mail, always opening doors for people, filling the ice trays for teachers, reading to children, always knowing students’ names and offering a hearty welcome to everybody in the morning.

The main theme each student mentioned was Boldon’s kindness.

Lasting impact

Eric Barr of Osceola, one of Boldon’s former second-grade students, also spoke during the ceremony.

“My first class here in Osceola was Mr. Boldon, and he was a really great teacher,” Barr said. “And, I remember, one time, I had a problem a little bit with paying attention. Maybe you guys have problems with paying attention?”

The majority of the students nodded their heads and shouted, “Yeah!”

Barr said he didn’t get his work done when he was a young student and had to stay inside for recess. Barr remembered Boldon took the time to help him with his work.

“Mr. Boldon was big on honesty, integrity and character,” Barr said. “He always inspired me to tell the truth, even when it kind of hurt to tell the truth, (and to have) integrity. As far as character, being a good person and meaning what you say. I’d like to thank Mr. Boldon for being my second-grade teacher and helping make me the person (I am) today.”

Complete surprise

Boldon said he has received thank you cards and pictures in the past from students, but never would’ve have anticipated anything like this.

“All these children, you thought, somebody would have squealed something,” Boldon joked. “This was a big surprise.”