I think I can safely speak for my Richmond Community High classmates when I say that after one period of Priscilla Green's freshman English class in the fall of 1989, we were downright terrified.

She didn't seem to be as much a teacher as a force of nature. Our world had changed.

We would sit there silently -- except for the collective gasp when she would wrap up class with a seemingly impossible assignment: "Due tomorrow."

Several months into the school year, she shifted duties within the school. But our attitudes about her had shifted already. There was still some fear, but also a growing respect. We didn't want her to go.

I'll never forget how she took each of us into the hallway for sit-downs, so she could break the news one-on-one and discuss our individual paths ahead. She felt she owed it to us.

Three years later, members of the senior class -- all three dozen of us -- were fortunate to have her back as an English teacher. We quickly elected her class co-sponsor.

Classes were relaxed conversations. She had us write autobiographies.

With her help, I got into my dream school. But even more, she imparted confidence and prepared me well for college and the years beyond.

Now, I feel like I did as a freshman. I don't want her to go.

But her vibrancy and firm expectation of excellence moved many, and for that I'm thankful.
Contact Shawn Cox at (804) 649-6610 or scox@timesdispatch.com.