Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.

Jill Kubichek taught elementary art at South Hamilton School for 20 years, starting at the Randall Center in 1978. Although chronic health problems were a part of her life, Jill continued to teach. By 1992 she had received three kidney transplants, and in August of 1999 was diagnosed with liver cancer. Jill was always one to celebrate life in all of its richness and glory. She was not a passive bystander to the parade of life but was an active participant in it.

Many elementary students wrote notes to Jill Kubichek during her absence from school. There were three underlying themes to most of them. The students said that most of all, Jill never let them give up on themselves. They said that Jill made art come alive for them. And they said that Jill always expected them to do their best. Here are some of those notes:

Dear Mrs. Kubichek,

You have always been a wonderful teacher. I have always enjoyed your class because you always made it fun. Whenever I finished a project I am proud of it, and I know I could have never finished it without you. We had many fun times in Hawk Talk. I still remember when we had to draw our shoe for art. I thought it was impossible to do. I kept on messing up and I got frustrated. You just kept telling me to keep on going. You never gave up on me. You have always been there for me. That shoe project is still my favorite are project. You have always put a smile on my face and in my heart

You have made me love art so much. My favorite art project is the "creature". I remember that you told us that "art is life". I thought art was nothing until you told us art is life.

Dear Mrs. Kubichek,

I will miss you a lot. I'm keeping you in my heart. You taught me how to draw and you're the reason I have the talent to draw today! You also taught me how to use my imagination in all my drawings and paintings. You were an awesome Hawk Talk teacher!

You were a very nice and talented art teacher. I loved the way you pushed us further and further to do our best on our art work. Everyone needs someone like that in our lives and I'm glad that you were in mine!

Dear Mrs. Kubichek,

Thank you so much for teaching me art. I always hated art until you helped me understand. I'm not perfect, but getting better. I appreciate all you did for me. You made a difference. Thank you!

I have kept all of the comments that you gave me from parent teacher conferences in my scrapbook at home. You never gave up on students. You showed us how to do things the right way. I remember that you always used the word "craftsmanship". You always gave good advice.