Southington Everyday Hero: Scott Herman

Do you know someone making a difference in your community? Patch wants to tell their story in a new series we’re calling “Everyday Heroes.” We are looking to share inspirational and uplifting stories of people who work to change others’ lives for the better.

Today’s nominee was sent in by a parent of one of his students.

Name of Everyday Hero

• Scott Herman

Relationship to the nominee

• Student’s parent

Details of good work

“Envision this room: You see a large terrarium housing an exotic green tree frog and a window garden with twisting vines and bright green peas strung ledge to ceiling, neighboring pots of broccoli plants. Accompanying these plants on the shelf are microscopes set amongst trays of shells, rocks, fossils, and other nature items to investigate. Pots of live houseplants sit around the room enriching the air. A large shelf contains a telescope and binoculars, to peer out the bordering window, whose glass reflects an inviting and cheerful room filled with vibrant green, yellow, and blue bold geometric designs. You see chairs with pillows, welcoming you to stay awhile.

Where are you? Perhaps you’re at a science museum or art studio? Actually, you are in the classroom of Scott Herman, 4th grade teacher at Kelley Elementary School.

If you are his student, you also see the familiar computers, desks, pencils and books. But somehow, in this enriching environment, you find yourself excited to learn. You’ll be taught math, science, reading and writing, geography, and history. But with Mr. Herman as your teacher, you will also learn the relevance of the lessons, which he will usually find a way to relate to your individual hobbies or interests. You may digress off topic frequently, but from these wanderings you gain valuable insight into and knowledge of past and current events that shape our present society.

Listen for drum rolls and music playing, perhaps by Mr. Herman, a musician himself. For diligent efforts and aced tests, you may be rewarded with a geode, rather than the typical pencil or sticker. Math games spice up the sometimes dry subject. Is a snowy day preventing outdoor recess? Enjoy a game of ping pong on his game table, or perhaps a group trip outdoors to create fun patterns in the snow.

If you are a parent of his student, you will find your child eager to go to school. He will feel respected, valued, and really listened to, and this will motivate him to treat others similarly. Don’t be surprised if he suddenly asks for fruits and vegetables for his snacks because of Mr. Herman’s health-focused lessons.”

Why do you feel is this person an Everyday Hero?

• If your child has a special interest or hobby, it is likely that Mr. Herman knows of it, and is sharing interesting stories and research on it, challenging him to advance his talents. Suddenly, you realize that this teacher is an “everyday hero”. His talent and passion for teaching in such a fun and stimulating way are a breath of fresh air amongst common core curriculums and standardized tests. His habit of going “above and beyond” are well-respected by the student body, and I’d like the town to learn about this everyday hero too.

Do you know someone who is an “Everyday Hero?” Nominate them by following the instructions below.

Please answer the following questions:

1. Name of Everyday Hero
2. Your relationship to the nominee
3. Details of good work done or being done
4. Why do you feel is this person an Everyday Hero?

Email your answers, along with a jpeg photo, to wendy.mitchell@patch.com and your Everyday Hero could be featured!