Walpole’s Last Flight

By Aileen Delgado & Samantha Jimenez

“It’s hard to say something to a legend… if you are a student and you had Joe Walpole, then with the things he taught you, you will be able to survive. There won’t be [anything] anybody can throw at you that you can’t handle because of what he taught you,” said Mr. Moffi, a history teacher at Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC), when speaking about Mr. Walpole.

Mr. Walpole’s teaching career kick-started over 40 years ago, with his time at MLEC beginning in September of 2003. Throughout these last 16 years, Mr. Walpole has served as an educator, a role model, and —above all— an inspiration to everyone in MLEC.

He has formed various friendships over his course of teaching at MLEC— students and teachers alike. One bond that has developed over this time span is that of his closest friend, Mr. Green.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with him; we have a common way of looking at certain things in life,” said Mr. Green, the librarian at MLEC. “Joe, I’ll miss you and I hope you have a long, healthy, and prosperous retirement. Thank you for counting me as a friend.”

Through the many English and Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) classes that he has taught at MLEC, every student has left Mr. Walpole’s class with knowledge beyond the subject at hand. Whether it’s a life lesson or a piece of advice, he shared his wisdom with everyone around him.

Mr. Walpole connected simple stories to the lives of his own students, determined to leave them with more than just grammar lessons or a book analysis. Through Tuesdays With Morrie, a book read in his freshman class, Mr. Walpole taught his students about the trials and tribulations attached to the journey of life, and allowed them to relate through their own individual experiences.

“…Apart from English and doing research, he has taught me personally how to go on about things in life and how to deal with situations that I might find tough in the moment,” said Johanna Figueroa, an MLEC sophomore. “He has always taught me how to push through and persevere.”

Mr. Walpole has made an impact on not only people’s lives, but their hearts and minds. In his class, learning became an adventure for students. Through group poetry recitings, book readings, and even the usual walpole inside jokes (pa-rum-pum), students created ever-lasting bonds with each other.

“He taught me how to be proud of myself too, because he believed in me so much and was so proud of me doing things that I’ve always wanted to do,” added Figueroa. “He became proud of me, so I became proud of myself.”

His students are always destined for greatness, as he strives for the success of every one of them. The skills that he has provided these students with has followed them through their path of adulthood. He has helped them achieve the biggest of dreams and guided them towards the brightest future possible.

“I wouldn’t be here about to graduate from Brown if it wasn’t for you. I wouldn’t be the writer that I am today if it wasn’t for you,” said Samantha Cardet, an MLEC alumni. “I know you’re going to hate hearing this, but I can only hope to impact even one student the way that you impacted me.”

As the classroom signs, posters, and books are put away, MLEC says goodbye to one of the greatest chapters that the school has ever known. Although his lessons may not be heard any longer down the halls, his legacy will remain in the students’, teachers’, and every heart that he has touched along the way.