WestJet First Officer Michael Sartor finally had a chance to say thank you to the elementary school teacher who inspired him to follow his dreams to the right seat of a Boeing 737 last week. The young pilot went on the PA to thank Daphne McMenemy, who was among the people he was helping to fly from Winnipeg to Toronto. “There’s often a teacher that inspired and motivated you and for me that was Miss Carvalho (who’s since married.)” McMenemy taught Sartor in third and fourth grade in Ontario where the young Sartor sometimes struggled.
He told CP24 that McEnemy encouraged him to follow his dreams and the two have stayed in touch since he left her class 18 years ago and worked his way up to an airline job, starting by joining the local air cadets squadron. He was able to bid on a flight his former teacher was taking and took the opportunity to show his gratitude. She said she “burst into tears” at the PA announcement and fellow passengers started clapping. “I thought it was really beautiful,” she said.
Good story.
As an old, longtime flight instructor, I get the budget version of that. Some of my former students are now airline first officers and captains. When I board their flights, they usually swear they have never seen me before.
I get no respect.
But it is still a good feeling seeing them up front.
Much respect here Raf.
My old brain remembers still all of my instructors and examiners.
Knock on…hmmm, what’s that word again…?
I wonderful thing to do. Too few teachers are recognized for what they do beyond teaching what is in the textbooks. There are so many teachers that had a profound impact on my life, and I will never be able to thank them. Bravo Zulu!
The headline made me smile. The conclusion of the article brought tears. Sierra Hotel!
What a great and timely gesture. If you’re going to voice your thanks, it’s good not to wait too long. Some years after attaining my instrument rating and passing the commercial check ride – back in the snail-mail days – I sent a letter with thanks to my “primary” instructor. The letter came back stamped “DECEASED”.