#lagnese

i keep trying to tell myself its ok to cry. i keep trying not to. i keep trying to keep my composure, keep me cool, erase my memories...I've realized though, I can not be selfish. You were truly and inspiration, a man whose impact and smile are eternally engraved in the Herricks community. I can't really say how many times i've tried to get myself to say this, can't possibly imagine the right words to say. And here i am 5 sentences in without really talking about you.  From the bottom of my heart, I must say my expierences in Herricks were very much catered by you, even in ways I was never aware of. You were the president of the union, supporting my teachers, representing them on their behalf. You were my boss for four summers. Day after day, you were the warm face that greeted hundreds of children, departing from their parents to finally enter one of the most memorable summers of their childhoods. From day one I, i felt like I knew you. That you were one of those people i'd have this unbreakable bond with. That you would change my life in ways I can't even describe. In the 10th grade, I was blessed to have you as a biology teacher. You taught me the difference between genes and genomes, the ways of the body, and the ways to make your life better. You were patient and kind to all of the students, even at times when it was so easy to snap. You put science in a perspective that made it an honor to learn from you, so much so that you've inspired me to become a doctor, even before you were sick.  You were the type of man that and boy should look up to. A man who was successful, charismatic, and a family man. You were what every teacher aspires to be, impressionable and an inspiration. There will not be a day that I don't think about you, even when i don't even realize it.  Being your student was an honor, being close with you, that is a blessing. rest in peace mr. lagnese<3 forever in my heart