David Gena -- Class of 1968
An education at Franklinville prepared me for future success by introducing me to the finest history teacher that I've ever been associated with which just about guaranteed that I would pursue the same profession in hopes of being at least half as good as he was. The teacher I'm referring to is Mr. William Schwier, who taught 8th grade American History. I already had an interest in history and current events at the time I took his course. What he did was to reinforce that interest by making history come alive in ways that I had never encountered. A combination of knowledge, humor and a genuine interest in his topic provided for the most stimulating classes I ever had at TBA. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to do the same thing if that was what the future held for me. As it turned out, I ended up teaching in the very same room that he had occupied for so many years. Maybe there is such a thing as fate after-all.
