It Takes A Village - April 2011

By: Carrie Mair

                As a parent, I’ve seen the scenario play over and over in my head. Although my kids are still very young, the day they get on the bus and drive off to their first day of school still rolls through my mind. I’ll stand on the front porch, fully dressed, makeup on, looking amazing at 7 a.m. with tears streaming down my face as my “baby” climbs onto the bus. As he gets to the top of the oversized stairs, he will turn around and hold up his hand to wave at me as the doors slam shut, the bus driver kicks it into drive, and he runs to the back of the bus to wave to me as he drives away; small face, pressed against the dark glass……looking back at me as if he can’t imagine what his day would be like without me.  Suddenly the brake lights come on, the bus stops, the doors swing open, and he runs back to me just to give me one last hug.

                Yeah right.

                In all honestly, when that day comes I know without a doubt, first of all……I won’t be dressed, there certainly won’t be makeup, and my kid will forget I exist the second the bus pulls up. His future will be reflecting in the bright yellow, kid stealing, monstrosity of a vehicle. His excitement will be obvious while his scholastic career is kick started by the oversized twinkie barreling down the road (without seatbelts, I might add.) I may in fact be an overprotective Mom.

                All jokes aside, when our kids step out of our front doors, and into the real world, we are left to speculate what their days will be like, and the influences that will fall on them. Reassured only by the steady growth of knowledge they obtain, we are left somewhere on the sidelines to cheer our kids on, and watch them grow; only playing a contributing role in a life that used to depend completely on me. Passing the parenting torch to someone else is often a very difficult thing for parents to do, but I have found some level of comfort in those we are passing it to.  The Basin is fortunate in that, those who are educating our children are well trained professionals who sincerely care for the well-being of our kids. Although I can’t take the time to honor each and every one of them, as they deserve, I have determined that highlighting one from time to time is a small recognition of lifetimes that have been dedicated to standing next to the parents, cheering on the kids.

                Michael R. Wakefield has been an educator for nearly three decades, longer than I have been alive (just sayin’.) To his favorite students he is known as “Wake” and to his least favorite students he is known as “Yes, Sir.” But to all of his students, he is a major influence and a valuable asset to their development.  His teaching style is strongly tied to the idea of self- accountability, and all of his students are aware that their education is in fact, their own responsibility. He is somewhat unconventional in his methods in that he attempts to make every lesson, hands on and eye opening. The use of inquiry in the classroom not only encourages but also facilitates the discovery of logical answers in his students. Once they have discovered their own capabilities, and the correct answer, it is easy to see the “lightbulb turn on,” a moment in time that Wakefield points out as a career, and daily, high.  He is known to set up dissection labs with any specimen he can get his hands on.  The cooperative nature of local meat cutters and farmer friends have supplied Wakefield with specimens for years, providing opportunities to students that would have otherwise been financially unattainable. Although financial restrictions have made field trips nearly obsolete, creativity continues to prevail and Wake creates an environment that is rich in opportunity and allows for the imagination of his students to guide their curiosity and learning.

                Michael Wakefield has been a utility player in all aspects of the high school, from a football, wrestling, and track coach to a student council advisor. His dedication has shown no bounds. Participation in extracurricular activities has highlighted an outstanding career in education.

                Outside of the classroom, Wakefield is an avid sportsman. As a transplant from La Crescent, Minnesota Wakefield was drawn to the Roosevelt area by the vast outdoor opportunity. He spends most of his spare time playing with his adorable grandbabies, spending time with his beautiful wife (also an amazing educator), flipping a fly on any open body of water, riding horses, or training with his high class bird dogs. Many hours have been spent in the field chasing any type of wild game birds, but when listening to his stories of these adventures the emphasis is never placed on the hunt itself, but the company that joined him. Wakefield is family man first and foremost, but has made the time for the rest of us to be a teacher, mentor, and friend.

                With that being said, he is a steady hand that assists when needed, praises when warranted, and has mastered the art of “the teacher look.”

                 To someone who has grown up, or raised kids in the basin, Wake is an institution, second only to his famous mustache. As a community, we are lucky to have his continued service.  Thanks Coach.

                 In my opinion, it really does take a village to raise a child. Many of you who have children take a leap of faith in the system that has been set up before you. Rest assured that there are many teachers in that system, like Wakefield, who are willing to go above and beyond to ensure the success of your child. Remember that they are on the sidelines, along with you, cheering on your student and the next time you have the opportunity to speak with one of these amazing people,  be sure to thank them for their part in the daunting, and very rewarding task of raising your child.