Robert Potter Remembered at Memorial Celebration
One-by-one they came to the microphone to pay tribute to the life and career of Robert Potter. Students, colleagues, alumni, friends and family eloquently and emotionally testified to the impact the art teacher, husband and father had on their lives and how the lessons he taught them will continue to bear fruit long into the future.
When Mr. Potter passed away suddenly on November 22, the Huntington High School community went into collective shock, followed by grief and then mourning. A gifted art teacher, the 47-year old had a knack for learning what made each student tick and then forging a bond with them and helping them see how they could "go out and change the world."
The Huntington community paid tribute to the beloved teacher during a memorial celebration last Wednesday evening in the high school auditorium. Through spoken words, poetry, photos, art and song, Mr. Potter and his legendary "Potterisms" were lauded for inspiring and motivating people of all ages.
"I only knew Mr. Potter for two months, but the moment I walked into his class we had an instant connection," Jordan Fairbanks said. "I could tell just by looking at him, Mr. Potter was different than all the other teachers. Simply by his demeanor, I could see that he cared about every student that walked through his door."
Joined Huntington Faculty in 2006
Mr. Potter, who taught ceramics (pottery) and sculpture, began working in Huntington in September 2006 after embarking on a major change in his career as an artist. After completing a bachelor of fine arts degree at Pratt Institute, he worked for 17 years for famed artist Peter Max.
"Mr. Potter made it abundantly clear that his mission in life was to inspire others," Mr. Fairbanks said. "The pure selflessness he showed in choosing to be a source of inspiration is what I will remember most about Mr. Potter. He always used to say, 'I have 26 students and 41 minutes. If I spend two minutes with you, I've spent too long.' It sounds a bit impersonal, but actually it's the opposite. He made sure everyone got help, everyday."
While working as a practicing sculptor and studying for a master's degree in art education at Adelphi University, Mr. Potter came to Huntington High School to observe art teacher Kristin Singer's class. He joined the high school faculty a short time later and was welcomed with open arms. His impact was felt immediately.
"My relationship with Mr. Potter wasn't the normal student-teacher relationship," said Alex Segredo. "I saw it as more of a friendship. Someone I could go to for advice, anytime of the school day."
Mr. Segredo shared with the audience at last week's celebration a seven-foot skate board sculpture that was the last project he was working on in Mr. Potter's class. He explained that Mr. Potter encouraged him to challenge himself and double the size of the skateboard he originally wanted to make.
"Mr. Potter was the kind of guy that wouldn't settle for 'good enough.' He always went up and beyond with all of this students' projects, not just mine."
Mr. Segredo printed a motivational quote on his sculpture that encourages people to be willing to take a new path in life when the one your on isn't working out.
"I started this project thinking I would end it with the same great teacher," Mr. Segredo said. But, unfortunately I didn't and I started on my new path by finishing this for Mr. Potter. All that I did was inspired by him, so I dedicate this to Mr. Potter. May he rest in peace. Everyone remember Mr. Potter's words 'Don't say you can't.'"
Mr. Potter's car featured a license plate emblazoned with the term, "INSPIREU," which served as the theme for last week's memorial celebration. Joan Fretz, district director of fine and performing arts, said it summarizes "the single most important reason why anyone teaches."
Audience Moved to Tears
Many in the audience were moved to tears by a series of photos showing Mr. Potter's art and him working with his students. Many students and alumni shared their personal memories of a man that touched them in many different ways.
"I was very proud of how beautifully our students spoke," Ms. Fretz said. "They were so perceptive, wise and caring. I wish everyone could have heard how each student described how Mr. Potter cared so deeply about them, pushed them to challenge themselves and to use their creativity to express themselves. He made them believe that what they felt and thought was important. It was an unforgettable lesson in what inspires students to work hard and love learning."
Although she was sitting in the audience, Mr. Potter's wife, Jan, found it too difficult to speak. So Ms. Fretz read a letter from her and the couple's six-year old daughter, Isabel. "He was someone who tried to give encouragement to all those around him," Mrs. Potter wrote. "He first and foremost encouraged and gave strength to his family. But his goal in teaching was to inspire creative thinking, wanting students to feel special, confident, and secure with who they are. He would want each of you to have the ability to feel solid in facing challenges, he believed in each and every one of you. Hopefully you will believe in yourselves!"
"Mr. Potter had many gifts, which our staff members, students and his family described so eloquently," Ms. Fretz told the crowd at the celebration. "I think his greatest gift was his ability to see past someone's weaknesses and excuses. He had 'inviting eyes.' He saw our strengths and potential and invited us to choose behaviors to fully realize that potential. Mr. Potter showed us how simply caring enough, setting high expectations and being able to see the best in people will inspire them to do great things - to be the best they can be. We can honor him best by having 'inviting eyes' and making sure we do what we can to continue his work, and 'INSPIREU.'"