Nan B Irick

It was always a pleasure to run into Nan at Jefferson on days she served as one of our substitutes.  I was always greeted with a smile and a big hug and would then have the chance to catch up on things, usually hearing about her plans to travel and how Kate was doing in High School.  I'll never forget what a supportive parent Nan was to Kate, who was a most valued player at Jefferson, making sure that she was able to balance all of her various activities, including practicing the violin.  I will also treasure the supportive emails I received from her as I began to learn the ropes of being a classroom teacher at Jefferson. 

I remember first meeting her in 11th grade. She was a substitute for my chemistry class. I saw her work on a picture she had in her sketchbook and I asked her about it. We then talked about art and she said she wanted to start a sketching club. I was on board for it. She subbed a couple more times through the year and we continued to talk whenever we could. It was always great because she really did listen and respect what I had to say, and not on just the simple level of that of a teacher, but as a friend. The following year we did not really get to talk to each other as much because I never seemed to have her as a substitute for any of my classes, but we did give the occasional "Hi!" to each other in the hall. The sketching club never seemed to happen either. What I am trying to say is that her loss has taught me that it is important to make the most out of the time you have with the people you care about because life is a short and precious thing. She was a great person and I will miss her.

I remember in the eighth grade, when Mr. Rabach made us write a poem about Mount Everest, and for the longest time, I could not figure out how to write it. Then, one day, when Ms. Irick came in to substitute for Mr. Rabach, she helped me. She helped me write what I like to think of as a good poem, one that I could be proud of.
She helped me a lot through the years I have known her. And I miss her dearly.