by David Flint
Robert C. Miller, known affectionately as “Mr. Miller – English” to distinguish him from his colleague, Robert A. Miller the math teacher, was selected by Berlin High School’s graduating class as their Commencement Speaker for the graduation ceremony on on June 26. Both Millers are retiring this year. In the case of Mr. Miller “English,” it’s after 40 years teaching at the Berlin Jr/Sr High School, “40 fabulous years,” in the words of Middle School Principal Cathy Allain, during which time, she said, “He has coached countless teams, served on many committees, served through more superintendents than anyone else can remember, has been featured in ‘Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers,’ but most importantly has created a love of reading and writing in countless numbers of students.”
Miller congratulated the other teachers who are also retiring this year. In addition to Robert A. Miller, they include Al Goodrich, Sue Holcomb, Janet Malecki and Jack McLoughlin
In his talk he noted that he has indeed been around a long time. People come up to him and say, “You still here?” and maybe follow diplomatically with, “You look just the same!” He said new students come in and remark that, “My mother had you for English.” But if he were to stay on one more year, Miller realized that there would be two students in his class who could say, “My grandmother had you!”
Miller spoke of memories, putting your child on the bus the first day of school, the last minute plea to bake 36 cupcakes needed for school the next morning, teacher conferences, the first boyfriend, tests, Regents exams…Graduation! “ He recalled how our kids often surprise us and thrill us and mystify us, sometimes exhibiting talents we never knew they had.
He advised his former students, now graduating, that people would now begin to look upon them as adults. He had three words of advice, borrowed from some of his mentors. From his own parents, “Find something you enjoy doing – and do it with passion.” From his grandfather, “Live your life with honor – Everyone is honored for what they give, not what they have received.” And from his old baseball coach, “Keep running this play till you get it right! Then let’s move on!”
When the going gets rough Miller suggested the graduates remember an especially challenged young student by the name of Cooper who died this past year. Cooper, he said, struggled with so much, but he just kept on showing up, and the effort he put forth was truly remarkable. When you think you don’t want to do it anymore, he said, “Think of Cooper!”
And one more thing, Miller said, “Live always with that four-letter word, Hope. If you have it, you can accomplish anything you need to.”