Latin School of Chicago

Leslie Rumney Like the books that fill the shelves in the Lower School Library, Leslie Rumney���s 39 years at Latin hold many adventurous twists and turns, including teaching second grade and coaching volleyball. Ms. Rumney plans a retirement as active as her working days. She hopes to travel frequently with her husband, Fred, and she plans to read widely in genres beyond the children���s literature that has been so much a part of her life as the lower school librarian. Introducing books to children and nurturing their love of reading has been the biggest reward in her career. Bringing authors and illustrators to the school has been of particular importance to Ms. Rumney, who delights in connecting children with authors. She explains: ���The more you write, the easier it becomes, and the more you read, the better writer you become . . . reading gives you exposure to rich language, style, character development, suspense, setting, plot and problem resolution.��� About Latin, Mrs. Rumney says: ���It is not the same place every year. Every year it is new.��� She retires with a deep appreciation of Latin���s strong reading community, gratitude for the generous family support of the library through book donations, and a joy in seeing the library as the heart of the school���s learning community. Richard Dolezal Although Dr. Dolezal began his 51st year at Latin this September, the community took a moment last May to celebrate his past 50 years as a beloved scholar, colleague and friend. Dr. Dolezal���s roles at Latin have included middle school head, upper school head, English Department chair, dean of faculty and, in his early days at the Scott Street Latin School, director of the annual dog show. But no title is more significant to his students or more important to him personally than his role as teacher. ���He is quite simply the embodiment of good teaching,��� says a Class of ���92 alum. ���He exudes a kindness that puts students at ease. There was an unspoken understanding in a Dolezal class that one tried one���s best; disappointing him would be like disappointing one���s family.��� As a beloved teacher of English over the past five decades, Dr. Dolezal held students responsible for their learning; led inclusive, exciting discussions; and guided ���The more you write, the easier it becomes, and the more you read, the better writer you become.��� ��� Leslie Rumney classes through the writing process with thoughtfulness and unparalleled expertise. Papers returned from ���Dr. D��� were always full of loving green ink, the comments demonstrating a remarkable investment in the writing. In his own words, Dr. Dolezal explains what keeps him at Latin: ���I came to Scott Street from DePaul University in 1960. As I was interviewed by thenHeadmaster Dr. Neville, I knew instinctively that Latin was where I wanted to be and teaching is what I wanted to do. From the start, I never wanted to be anywhere else. It is that same feeling that brings me back each year.��� As Dr. Dolezal closes a half-century of teaching at Latin and opens the doors on his 51st year this fall, we celebrate his humility, kindness, elegance and humor. We honor his loyalty and his brilliance as a teacher and mentor, as he continues to teach by his example and by his inspirational presence in our midst. ��� Linda Hennelly Latin School of Chicago 11

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