Letters to Mr. P
These thank you notes are some of many found among Dennis (Mr. P) Pershing's personal effects after his passing:
"Mr. P I know that I don't always show you how thankful I am of you. You've given me so much and I know that you really care about what happens to me because of how you stay worried about me all of the time. I know that people up here sometimes take advantage of you, but no matter what they do to you, you are always there to help them. I really look up to you for that Mr P. Sometimes when I feel alone or I'm sad I know that you will always be there to help me. You really are the first one I think about. You're a very special person and I hope that if I can ever do anything for you that you will just let me know. Thank you for all the nice stuff you've done for me. It means a lot.
Love you,
(they sign their name)
Dear Dennis,
Thank you for the Rhino Fishing Rod. Please come back and fish with me.
Love,
(They sign their name)
"Mr. P
There is no way that I could show you my full appreciation for all that you have done for me. You are definitely heaven sent. All people who come into contact with you are truly blessed. I just want you to know how much you mean to me. But I don't know if that is completely possible. I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Thank you so much for letting me work at your house and for taking me out to get something to eat. Thank you so much for my Christmas gift. I hope that you like yours.
Merry Christmas"
(They sign their name)
This person's parents also wrote a note to thank Mr. P for what he had done in their child's life.
"Dear Mr. Pershing,
I just wanted to write a little note to thank you for buying us dinner the other night. You just don't know what a blessing it was to us. The waitress came over and told us not to worry about our bill. Mr P took care of it. She also told us that you spoke highly of us. I would like to tell you the feeling are definitely mutual. I guess that I did not cut up enough to have the pleasure of being in your class. But _______ did. And he thinks you are awesome. I must agree. You always bless us with your warm personality and kind words. I'm convinced your kindness is unending. You left before I could give you a big hug. But please know that this card comes with much love and appreciation. Thanks again. May God truly bless you."
(They sign their name)
A poem painstakingly written in old English script by an adult on behalf of 2 students:
It is very rare as time goes by,
that a student looks back ---
and questions why...
Why a teacher would dedicate his life,
to a school filled with students ---
with so much anger and strife.
You not only were our teacher,
but our dearest friend---
And your influence has stayed with us...
until the end.
The end of our years,
at Alcoa High School
Where you could easily have written...
the "Golden Rule".
You treated us equal.
important to God---
With your kind of teaching...
there was no need for a rod.
How wonder life would be,
if all teachers were like you---
students would then wish to learn...
to be faithful and true.
True to themselves, and the life that they lead...
True to their teachers---
who supplies their educational need.
You, Mr. Pershing. know the meaning of give,
for it is displayed every day---
in the life that you live.
You made such an impact,
upon our heart---
And we knew you were different...
Right from the start.
You helped us learn,
in an atmosphere of fun---
Instead of walking to school...
we wanted to run.
We are still running,
this race of life--- and we're ahead...
For it's thanks to you,
and the life that you led.
You are a teacher, that never stops giving---
You portray it everyday...
in the life that you are living.
May God be with you, until the end---
And bless you abundantly...
For being our "Special Teacher"
And our dearest friend!!!
A quote from Tommy "Big Al" Blankenship, a former student, now a successful business owner that gives Dennis credit for getting him through school and pushing, encouraging him to be successful. "Dennis showed me what life can be like, if you put Jesus first".
Dennis Pershing devoted his life to struggling kids
By Robert L. Wilson, May 15, 2008, Knoxville News-Sentinel
ALCOA - An announcement today at Alcoa High School can be considered a legacy to a man who had no children but thousands of kids.
Four Alcoa seniors will be awarded scholarships to pursue higher educations. The scholarships come in the name of a beloved alumnus and former educator who, without fanfare or affectation, went about the work of changing and redirecting lives.
Dennis Pershing died Dec. 18, 2006, just short of his 51st birthday, but his influence on the futures of many Alcoa students is all but inestimable, according to his brother, Ed Pershing, who is spearheading an effort to perpetuate his brother's memory by awarding four "Mr. P" scholarships.
Known as Mr. P by the students who loved and respected him, Dennis Pershing taught vocational education and drivers ed at Alcoa, devoting a lifetime to young people who struggled more than most with academics, poverty conditions, possibly even abuse.
"And he told no one," said Ed Pershing, one of three surviving brothers.
Ed Pershing, a principal at Pershing Yoakley & Associates, a Knoxville accounting and consulting firm, said he and his brothers want to honor the work of their late brother by forming the Mr. P Foundation to award scholarships to struggling Alcoa students and to try to continue Dennis Pershing's mission via other means.
Dennis Pershing, a lifelong bachelor, lost a fight that had lasted nearly 30 years against what Ed Pershing said was a benign brain tumor.
The ailment never prevented Dennis Pershing from having an optimistic outlook or a rampant sense of humor, according to Ed Pershing and those who told stories at the teacher's funeral of his practical jokes.
He helped young people in ways that sometimes were far beyond classroom obligations.
Like the young mother and former student who Ed Pershing says his brother spotted walking along Alcoa Highway in the rain. Offering her a ride, Dennis Pershing found out she had two young children and was walking to a job because she had no transportation.
Shortly, Pershing had bought her a car, made the first couple of payments and even paid half-a-year's insurance premium, all just to get her on her feet.
Actually, that happened twice, Ed Pershing said.
Pershing's other two brothers are Jim Pershing, a retired pharmacist, and Dr. Steve Pershing.
The brothers' Mr. P Foundation is providing $5,000 scholarships to students who will continue their educations at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, cosmetology school, Pellissippi State Technical Community College and Hiwassee College.