By Sequoia Gregorich, Law and Ethics Editor
Terry Swift’s classroom was a haven for a generation of students. It was a relaxed environment where students felt welcome to express themselves and to create artwork, no matter their level of experience.
Late this summer, students heard something they found devastating; Swift, the beloved art teacher at VISD since 1999, would not be returning to his classroom.
His resignation prompted some students to drop art classes completely, and saddened others, as the culture which he had worked to build was the incentive for many students to continue art after their credits had been fulfilled.
Swift always fought hard to open opportunities for his students. He introduced the AP Art class, a class which defines his legacy, challenging and refining future art students.
When something was out of stock, or we needed a new tool, he would write a grant.
A long-standing mark on the community has been the bi-annual student art showcase. When Katherine White Hall opened its doors, he fought to have student art featured in an exhibit.
The showcase validated students’ hard work and reminded them that their creations were valued by the Vashon community.
I remember selling a bowl I made in ceramics class. It was a stepping stone for me, seeing as I was somewhat clumsy and unequipped for the pottery wheel.
There were many failed attempts before I finally made what was, from my perspective, a ring dish. In reality, there were really no sides to this “dish”; it was simply a pingpong ball-sized slab.
Swift had a good laugh at my expense. But once I sold a different piece of mine, Swift tracked me down to give me the good news.
During Swift’s class, I learned not only to recognize but also to accept my shortcomings. Additionally, I learned to improve and find new techniques that worked for me.
“He pushed people to get better in a helpful way,” senior Seth Rosen said.
In many cases, it was through his humor that Swift encouraged students to try again — to explore a new technique and discover the talent that most of us held but had yet to discover.
Swift’s sense of humor and community created many friendships between himself and his students.
“Swift was less a teacher and more a mentor and friend. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to guide me in art and I feel lucky to have learned from him,” senior Jasper Merrill said.
Some had a playful sort of rivalry.
“Mr. Swift and I had a funny relationship,” junior Brynn Mueller said. “We were always insulting each other and joking around. But whenever I needed help on a project or had a question, he was always there to help me.”
There was a healthy balance between class and community that Swift flawlessly executed. It meant that students felt comfortable in his class on the good days and the bad. And unfortunately, Swift was around for many tragic days.
“He was a teacher at McMurray and at the high school during some of the most difficult years our district has had as it relates to tragic death,” Principal Danny Rock said.
Swift was there for students through teacher death, car accidents, suicides and overdoses.
“[Swift is] a person you can truly talk to about anything and is someone who is always on your side no matter what,” junior Hannah Ewalt said. “He would always ask me how I was doing and how my day was. If it wasn’t good, he would let me chill out in his class until I was ready to go back.”
Swift was universally recognized as an approachable and kind face, which many students turned to.
“I think the fact that he was open and honest with students made him more ‘real,’ which is a respectable quality we all look for in our teachers,” Merrill said.
Swift has forever changed the school’s atmosphere with his friendly manner and has left behind a community of aspiring artists.
Thank you, Mr. Swift, for letting us have the privilege of working with you and for us the opportunity to learn from such an extraordinary individual as yourself. This community will miss you.
If you have kind words and/or wishes to tell Mr. Swift, you may write letters and deliver them to the office where they will be sent to him.