White Plains High School - Oracle Yearbook (White Plains, NY)

Page 27 text:

The French say “sympathique.” In English, we say caring, warm, friendly, throughtful, giving . . . but we think that the best translation is simply— Joan Baumel. From conjugations to Camus, and from Paris to “Le Petit Prince,” Mrs. Baumel is first and foremost a wonderful teacher. Her participation in both the French club and in the French Exchange has greatly enriched the French program in WPHS. However, Mrs. Baumel’s genuine school spirit, belonging to a species which is practically extinct, transcends the Foreign Language Department. At Christmas time, her room becomes the headquarters for Project Santa Claus, and for weeks she teaches amidst piles of stuf- fed animals and baby books. And because she realizes that the interests of her students also extend beyond her French Class, Mrs. Baumel follows us out of her classroom. She follows us to musicals, spring concerts, dance shows, and basketball games. She follows our interests and talents and encourages us in our every endeavor. And finally, she will follow us out of high school and inquire about our lives long after we have graduated from her class. Whether it is for a good performance in class, in athletics, or stage, or just as a friend, Mrs. Baumel is always there to stand and applaud her students. Now it is your turn, Mrs. Baumel, to accept our applause; for it is to you, our first class teacher, that we proudly dedicate the 1980 Oracle.