This is from a hometown person, whose dad happens to be amazing! He has written this to share:
Where to begin? This is always the hard part. Well, I will start with the most amazing part of my father. He is blind, but hardly handicapped. Well, I suppose by most folks’ definition he is. But in reality, if you chose to interview him, and I sincerely hope you do, I think you will find him an absolutely amazing man. What makes him so amazing, you may ask? I’ll give you a few reasons. Because despite having been born blind he has never let anything stop him from achieving his goals. He taught high school German for 35 years. But to get to that position he sent out scores of resumes, and no one thought that he could teach because of his “handicap.” They were very mistaken. After applying to at least 26 schools, although my father may recollect many more, he finally found a school that would ultimately give him a chance. That school was Chambersburg Area Senior High. He started teaching in 1966. Some years later he decided that he needed to get his supervisor’s certificate. He went on to not only teach German but also became chairperson of the language department in the high school. By now you may say: ok, that is kind of interesting, but what else can you tell me about your father that is so incredible? I will give you still more: he also used to fix clocks before Parkinson’s robbed him of that possibility. He can no longer repair them, but he still does collect clocks and enjoys them a great deal. But there is still more of this most amazing man I am privileged to call my father. Growing up, I remember very fondly him running the sound system and narrating the recitals for the local dance studio where my sister danced. He did that for many years after my sister was no longer in that dance company before finally “retiring”. He has read scripture at the Lutheran church that he and my mother have faithfully attended ever since I was born. About 10 years ago he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. You would think that my father would be defeated at this point but well, no way. My father compared this life-altering disease as a minor nuisance. He kept right on reading scripture in their church. He even managed to make a month-long trip to Germany. Throughout his life he has not once in my memory ever felt any self -pity but has given of himself time and time again. My father also sings in the church choir, and for several years has also sung in the Mercersburg Area Community Chorus, a 150-voice regional chorus. He also has served on church council and has been a member of a number of church committees. In addition, he also has a visitation ministry (with another member) to shut-ins in the congregation. During most of the years since his retirement in ‘01 he has tutored students in German. This past fall he was a guest on the radio show “Sound Behavior” on Sirius/XM. I think by now you will understand why I think he is definitely a very good interview and I hope you take the time to show America someone who in my mind is a very real hero. His name is William Schumacher. I sincerely thank you for your kind consideration ahead of time.
Sincerely,
Steven William Schumacher
