Fayetteville Manlius High School - Oak Leaves Yearbook (Fayetteville, NY)

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OAKLEA ES DEDICA TION Men possessing both great teaching ability and service to the students, school, and community are few and far between. However, one man at this high school stands above all the rest as a truly outstanding teacher, advisor, and friend - his name is Mr. Anthony Procopio. Mr. Procopio has been a language teacher at F-M for years. His total commitment to the subject area is exemplified by his fluency not only in English and French, but also in Spanish and Italian. His classes are held in a relaxed environment, a setting that allows his students to perform to the best of their abilities without undue stress and strain. The best part of the classes, however, is Mr. Procopio himself. He does not just sputter out material that must be memorized by his students, but presents it in such a manner that makes the student want to learn. A rare phenomena takes place in his classes: the fun is put back into learning! That is the sign of an excellent teacher. Much of the positive increase in the wrestling team’s attitude can be attributed to Mr. Procopio. He does not always ask for a victory, but asks only that “you give it your best shot.” His treatment of the wrestlers as men rather than just bodies has enabled him to get a one hundred percent effort from them. Mr. Procopio has been the chaperone for the annual spring trip to Paris. He was like a second father to many on the trip, while being a best friend to all. Each year his contributions to the International Fair go unnoticed. He puts in count- less hours of his time for the benefit of the students. Mr. Procopio is a man of character and understanding. He has always considered the position of the student, and never makes any unreasonable demands. He realizes a concept that so many other teachers ignore- that the student has other obligations beside his course. Yet, he still receives a total effort out of all his stu- dents, out of respect for his consideration for them. He has established a dialogue with the students at F-M like no other teacher has in the past, or is likely to in the future. However, words like this are not enough to describe what the man is, or has done. To know what Mr. Procopio is really like, he must be experienced in person. For all, it will be an experience that they will never forget. The 1979 Oakleaves staff is extremely proud to dedicate this yearbook to Mr. Anthony Procopio.

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 No matter what looms ahead if you can eat today, enjoy the sunlight today, mix good cheer with friends today, enjoy it and bless God for it. Do not look back on happiness-or dream of it in the future. You are only sure of today; do not let yourself be cheated out of it. ’’-Henry Ward Beecher