By Lacey Landt
Lester used to be a teacher here in Mini-School back in the mid 70’s. She went on trips and she taught Art/human relations. She is a wonderful lady. Unfortunately she left us for mainstream art. She organizes the yearbook and teaches photography. Lester was such a hard nose she was out on the first Grantsburg hike 5 months pregnant. Lester influenced many lives. Unfortunately I was not in Mini-School when she was but I know her well. I wanted to just have this article to show our appreciation for her.
What is your favorite memory of Lester?
Doug Berg: “Stuck in mud up to her waist on a BWCA portage, with a Duluth pack on her front and back, cursing at me as I pelted her with mud and made fun of her.”
Joanne Johnston: The Rum River express, sitting in the back of the canoe as she was expressing milk into a cup, {to keep her milk supply up}. No one wanted to try it {she was still nursing her new born, Sarah, now a junior at MHS.}
Randy Nelson: Lester and her video camera. She took it everywhere with her, winter camping, and activities in school. Lester was rarely ever without her video camera.
Lester:
What years did you teach in Mini?
1974-1977 Para
1977-1979 went back to school and got my teaching degree.
1979-1992 taught art in Mini
Is there a big difference teaching from Mini to mainstream?
I remember the first couple of days in Mainstream. I was shocked-30 kids leaving then another 30 kids coming. It might have been harder if I wasn’t teaching art but the kids are so relaxed and there are many similarities. There is one really nice thing. I don’t have to deal with the administration down my throat.
What trips did you go on?
New York City, Bayfield, Mississippi River, Kekebabic trail, Grantsburg, Rum River, Gunflint trail, Grand Canyon, Border Route Trip. There are more but it’s been so long I can’t recall all of them.
Which one was your favorite?
Kekekabic snowshoe trip. It was the most physically challenging and rewarding.
Would you ever come back to Mini?
Maybe, it is hard to say. After this week I’d like to retire.
What is the worst thing about mainstream?
“Grading all this crap.”
What are the best things about Mainstream?
Getting to know more students and not being so isolated from the staff.