Time capsules an emotional endeavor

Shawn Storm’s former students return each year to find pieces of their past.
Posted on 06/20/2022
Strayer teacher Shawn Storm speaks with former students who have returned in search of their time capsules.By Gary Weckselblatt

Since the Quakertown Community High School Class of 2009, Shawn Storm has had former students return to find time capsules they buried most recently at Strayer Middle School.

“First, it’s great to see them and catch up with what they’ve been up to,” Mr. Storm said as he gathered behind the athletic fields at Strayer earlier this month with members of the QCHS Class of 2022. “But it’s about remembering where you’ve been and getting closure, which is an important part of life.”

Each year he has several former students return to their old stomping grounds. This year a couple dozen of his former students returned to find mementos they left behind as part of a class project.

Depending on the year, students may be asked to place items into a plastic bag that means something to them. Perhaps they’ll write down their dreams and goals or list important things to make note of.

Emily Mory found a letter from her mom dated November 17, 2016. That was back-to-school night, and Mr. Storm asked parents to write something to their children. Observing Emily read her mom’s words, it was evident she was deeply touched.

“She said how proud she was of me and who I was going to become,” Emily said. “She admired my resilience. It almost made me cry.”

Mr. Storm got emotional as well. “Absolutely, 100 percent. That gets me. That’s something she’ll hang onto.”

Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].
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