By Betty Reed
mail@floridanewsline.com
Jim Schmitt, American History teacher at Mandarin High School, spoke at the Constitution Week luncheon held at the Timuquana Country Club on Sept. 16. The luncheon, an annual event to celebrate our Constitution, was hosted by the Regents Council of Northeast Florida, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Schmitt has a teaching career that spans 31 years. He has received numerous awards as an outstanding teacher locally and statewide. He formed “Teachers Teach Teachers,” which allows teachers to share their talents and innovative ideas with other educators.
Schmitt spoke on a “Teacher Lost in Boston.” He took a trip to Boston this summer and was invited to speak during the trip. He utilized this occurrence to time-place himself in Boston in the 1770s, at the time of the Boston Massacre.
History records the street fight of American Patriots throwing stones and snowballs and sticks against British soldiers. Five colonists were killed as British soldiers fired into the crowd. Consequently, this situation is American blood spilled on American soil. This was the beginning of the severe fighting to follow in 1775.
Schmitt recounted the walk on the streets and standing in the very place of the occurrence. He went on to say to appreciate history, it must come “alive” to us and to his students. He received a standing ovation from the well-attended lunch. He was presented with a certificate and a Tricorn hat to wear in class during Constitution Week.
The Sons of the American Revolution, Jacksonville Chapter, led by Paul Tucker, SAR President and Commander of the Color Guard presented the flag of the United States of America. A Mayoral Proclamation from Mayor Donna Deegan was read by Lynne Cason, Florida State Society DAR Historian, to highlight, celebrate, and honor our United States Constitution week. Bells were rung in St Augustine, Orange Park and Downtown Jacksonville. The Bicentennial Bell of Jacksonville rang at the Jacksonville Public Library on Sept. 17 at 4 p.m.
The Regents Council of Northeast Florida, DAR, consists of eight chapters of the DAR and boasts more than 1100 members. The purpose of the society is promoting Patriotism, Education and Historic Preservation. DAR is a women’s volunteer service organization who come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join. Visit www.dar.org for more information.
Betty Reed is Regents Council of NE Florida President.
Photo courtesy Betty Reed
Jim Schmitt was presented with a certificate and a Tricorn hat by Betty Reed.
