By DANIEL GREEN
For The Beachcomber

McMurray Middle School teacher Larry Dubois recently brought home Vashon PTSA’s Doors of Opportunity Award.

Each year, a committee of school district staff, students and PTSA volunteers hands the award to one exemplary faculty member. The prize is intended to acknowledge a teacher or administrator who has “opened doors” for students.

Known for his humorous personality, Dubois is a sixth-grade humanities teacher. He has been at McMurray since 1998.

“It’s a really nice way for teachers to be recognized for their efforts and success,” Dubois said.

Parents and administrators recognized Dubois for his unique method of teaching. Katrina Lande, a parent who nominated him, described his demeanor as “zany but always efficient.”

Dubois said, “My authentic self is present.”

With his entertaining yet adept teaching style, Dubois was a popular pick for this year’s award. Over a dozen people nominated him.

Parents, and Dubois himself, have noticed that when he uses a balance of humor and diligence, students become more engaged in his class.

“His classroom is engaging and fascinating and is filled with things to catch students’ imaginations,” Lande wrote in her nomination letter.

McMurray Principal Greg Allison described Dubois as “a creative and passionate instructor” and “a highly engaging individual.”

In the classroom, Dubois has led activities such as mummifying chickens, an explanation of the Roman Empire via Star Wars and a demonstration of the Earth’s hemispheres that involved cutting a watermelon in half with a machete.

Although the school eventually prohibited the annual watermelon demolition, Dubois continued to show a filmed version of the carnage.

“In the face of adversity, I will do my best to bring excitement and life to the classroom,” he said.

He may have been joking, but Dubois’ determination was emblematic of his teaching personality.

“Part of my job is to be an entertainer,” he said.  “When you’re able to win the hearts and minds of your students, you can really be successful.”

Lande also pointed to Dubois’ mastery of the humanities curriculum.

“He clearly knows his subject matter inside and out,” she stated.

The PTSA awarded Dubois $1,000 to use as he pleases, and another $1,000 for classroom improvements.

However, Dubois seemed pleased with the intrinsic merits of the award.

“It’s proof that you actually did do something,” he said.

— Daniel Green is a recent graduate of Vashon High School, where he wrote for The Riptide.