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Tuesday, October 30, 2007

A Pat on the Back


Congratulations go out to loyal Winheld's World reader and my friend Pat Moeschen, who was recently named Wal-Mart's 2007 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year.

I first met Pat, who has Becker muscular dystrophy (which is closely related to Duchenne's), at the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy conference a few months ago and was impressed with his positive energy and can-do attitude. No doubt these qualities are what make Pat so successful as a band teacher at the Woodbury School in Salem, New Hampshire, where he teaches sixth through eighth grades. For most of us, those years are often very difficult. I'm sure his students, past and present, will attest to the fact that a teacher like Pat can make all the difference. As someone with a disability, I know that every day presents its challenges. My hat goes off to Pat for facing those challenges head on and with great success.

Congratulations, my friend!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Josh-
Thanks for your words, but it is you who inspire me! I think of you everday and I have shared stories with my classes about meeting you and our continuing friendship. The kids raise money, help out and eventually UNDERSTAND this disease. When you come up to Boston again, I am afraid you will have to make an appearance at my school, where you have become the stuff of legend. Thanks.

Taunia said...

Thanks for featuring my good friend Pat on your blog. Not only did I get to read a great entry on him, but he forwarded it to me and you're now on my blog list. Kudos to you (and to Pat) for rockin' MD and educating the world!

Cheers,
Taunia

Josh Winheld said...

Hi Pat,

Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad we had the opportunity to meet at the PPMD conference. I'd be happy to talk to your kids if I get up to Boston again. Keep up the good work, my friend!

Josh Winheld said...

Hi Taunia,

Welcome to Winheld's World! It was my pleasure to feature Pat on my blog. He does great work, both in the classroom and for PPMD. Hope you will visit my blog again.