Dear Editor: I was greatly saddened to read Samuel Hay's letter to the editor, which dealt with the house fire and the demise of Mr. Aubrey Whelchel. Mr. Whelchel taught math and science at Newton County High School while I was a student there in the late 1950s.
Mr. Whelchel was one of the many fine teachers that Newton County was blessed to have during that time and who affected so many lives. I remember Mr. Whelchel and how he insisted on performing and doing what he was paid to do. He had his own style of maintaining discipline and order in the classroom. Occasionally his discipline was up close and personal, or if he didn't want to have physical contact, he just might bounce a fastball piece of chalk off the offending party's head. He was definitely from the old school but left me a much richer person for having known him.
I am so sorry to hear of his demise in such a manner. But, wanted to add to the record - he gave so much more than the bequeaths he left in his will.
