A lifetime of teaching equals a lifetime of experience

By Lindsey Portugal

Can you imagine teaching five classes a day, 25 students in each class, for 49 years? Wow. If you think that's impressive, keep reading. Ms. Patricia Long, when reflecting on her life, has so much to be proud of.

My name is Lindsey Portugal, and in 1997 I was a senior at Staunton High School, and a student in Ms. Long's college course, English 131 and 132. Ms. Long chose only me and one other student, to aid her in teaching that course. I was honored. She also at the time chose me to interview certain retired teachers and those articles were later published. To this day, I...