I am honored to nominate my dear friend and colleague, dedicated and exemplary teacher, Miss Patricia Shelley, to the Fayette County School Corporation Education Hall of Fame. Pat was a 1972 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School, and a 1976 graduate of Ball State University where she later received her Master’s Degree. She began her teaching career in January of 1977, filling in on a maternity leave for the first grade teacher at Alquina Elementary School. The following year, she was hired for that same job, and served her entire career at Alquina.

Pat put in long hours, always striving to do everything within her power to help her students achieve. She was always the first one to arrive at the building in the morning, and usually the last to leave. And she never left empty-handed. Her familiar black briefcase was always full of papers to carefully grade, a grade book to update, and books to prepare lessons. She frequently spent part of her Sunday afternoons at school, working to perfect lessons for the next week. When we ran into Pat in the teachers’ workroom, she was never running off that day’s papers - she was running off papers for the next week. She was so organized; if any of us misplaced something that had been sent to everyone we could always head for Pat’s room. She had it filed and could find it immediately.

In spite of all the normal frustrations, Pat loved teaching. She loved children and truly enjoyed organizing activities to help them learn. Pat ran a tight ship tempered with a sense of humor and a kind smile, and had high expectations of her students. She personally modeled those expectations daily - always a true professional. Her classroom was quiet and her students were kept on-task. She frequently gave up personal prep time in order to give one-on-one instruction to a struggling student. An avid reader herself, she passed her love of reading on to countless young people who were educated in her classroom. Over the years, trends in education cause changes. Pat was always conscientious about learning new ideas and methods - she was willing to try anything that might improve her ability to teach. She didn’t always agree with those new ideas, but she gave them a try before passing judgement. She never hesitated spending her own money on classroom materials and programs to enhance her teaching. Pat openly discussed methodology with colleagues, and both sought advice and offered it when the occasion arose.

Pat Shelley was a big part of our Alquina community for over 25 years. Losing her so unexpectedly has left a huge hole in our small family. Pat was a very private person, but she had developed close friendships over the years that transcended our school relationship. She was proud to be a teacher - and we at Alquina have benefited from knowing her and working with her. I was fortunate to have had a strong personal relationship with Pat, and I will greatly miss the frequent trips we took together sharing our love for music and concerts - frequently talking about school as we drove along.

The attached letters give support to this nomination. They speak of Pat’s dedication, and professionalism. The letters show clearly that Pat was loved and respected by colleagues, students, and parents. She was truly an outstanding educator and is worthy of being included in the FCSC’s Education Hall of Fame.

Jan Smith, colleague and friend