Judy Barrett Silas

Attained a Bachelor's degree in English Lit and a second one in Psychology. Received a Master of Education, all culminating in 1982. Taught English at Terry Parker HS; appointed temporary Language Arts Supervisor in 1980; promoted to Asst. Principal for Curriculum at Fletcher Jr. HS in 1982; promoted to Vice-Principal at R.E. Lee HS in 1984; promoted to Principal at Jefferson Davis Jr. HS in 1985; transferred to duPont Middle School in 1993; retired from duPont in 1998.
(Chester) Earl and I have been married since 1972 after I met him at Ft. Caroline Jr. HS as Principal when I taught English there during the summer. We launched ourselves into the home-building game in 1976, and with LOTS of friends and relatives, built our own home where we are still residing. Earl retired in 1985 and patiently waited until I could finish my 30 years in the system to earn my retirement. Since 1998, we've been on several cruises and trips in the USA. Earl played Center on FSU'S first football team in 1947 and I attended FSU for two years, so naturally we are staunch FSU supporters (we grieved when Coach Bowden retired!!) Up until three years ago, we had season tickets and quite a tail-gaters group. Unfortunately, Earl has developed Macular Degeneration and can no longer see the field, especially the plays, from the stands. He can see it on television, so we have our Seminole parties here or at friends'/relatives' homes. (only about 6 weeks 'til FUTBOL starts for 2010!)
We have had a marvelous life with Earl's two children and their families and with Erin, our daughter (whom Earl adopted) and our granddaughter and grandson-in-law. Erin lives in Jacksonville but Jessie and Lee live in Brooklyn :(
We've gone through a series of pets (WONDERFUL dogs who lived full and contented lives - altho Thor, my German Shepherd liked to bite people...) and various cats. We now are down to Siamese litter mates: Ting (boy) and Ling (Ting's sister). After our last large Chowbador "Champ" (Florida State University National Champion of 1996-which we didn't win) we've been reluctant to think about another big dog. However, as isolated as "the Swamp" is, down a dirt road, I do like a large, booming voice greeting anyone entering the property so, maybe a Mastiff? Doberman? Rottweiller? I'm really leaning toward that last one.
Life is good. I hope and pray yours is as well. ~judy~

I remember, with great clarity, when Ruth Bishop, PE instructor, told our class that we HAD to do a solo "modern dance" in front of our classmates. Since I always wanted to control EVERYTHING, I decided to control the laughter that was sure to come at my awkward attempts at "dancing." I borrowed a very large friend's gym suit, some guy's size 14 tennis shoes and planned my "dance." Of course, my luck, it rained the day I had to perform and all of the BOYS were in the gym bleachers. Doesn't seem like anything now, in fact I have made a fool of myself MANY times in front of students, teachers and administrators since I entered education. But, contrary to most people's belief, I was dreadfully afraid (dare I say shy?) to be a fool if I wasn't in control of the procedure. It was still awfully difficult getting out on that gym floor in front of all those people...
#2
I remember in detail standing on the steps leading from the bandroom area to the stage, waiting on the announcement of who was going to be crowned "Ms. duPont." Jean Smith (not Jean Smith Greek) was our family's neighbor and sponsor of the Junior Class, leaned over and whispered in my ear ("they've chosen YOU!) A
thrilling, exciting moment which I should look back on with joy and pride but I remember most thinking: "THEY (the audience of my peers) WON'T LIKE THAT!!
Over the years of growing older (not to be confused to becoming mature) I've gotten a little bit better about my self-image through a LOT of hard work; two failed, one successful, marriages; and watching two beautiful and sweet young ladies bloom right under my nose!
Honestly, altho good memories of your past are wonderful, I am much happier that my current life is filled with love and laughter and I'm not afraid of what others think of me now. I hope to see EVERYONE from duPont, someday, some where. ~judy~