I was fortunate to attend the memorial service for Vernon W. Bell, who died peacefully at home on November 4, 2002.   For those of you who had classes and/or “counseling sessions” with Mr. Bell, I wanted to share with you part of his obituary (it was standing room only at the church and the leaflet I received had a photo of him leaning on a podium, sticking out his tongue):

"He taught English at East High for 40 years, beloved by students and staff alike. During his career as a classsroom teacher, counselor, head of the English Department, director of the High Academic Potential Program, and as a mentor teacher, he was honored with many awards....No one was a stranger to Vern. He was well loved by all who knew him for his irrepressible humor, his unflappable nature, his integrity and character, and his kindness. We will cherish all our wonderful memories of him from his impish smile to his firm honesty…his ability to never take himself too seriously."

I ran across an article recently about the 1939 banning of The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck, and was impressed to find a Mr. Bell quote!

It wasn't allowed to be used in the Kern High School District until 1972, when Vernon Bell requested to teach it to his classes at East Bakersfield High School.  Bell, who was the first to teach it there, said "There were lots of people who wouldn't bring it out at all, who thought it was dangerous," Bell said. "I thought it was thought-provoking. I thought they should teach books that have a little value to them."

He will be missed.

Bev Malouf Byrd