Late last year, Cassidy Bell came by my office and talked briefly about her future. She told me that she wanted to be a high school teacher.

Because I had taught her three times — twice in newspaper and once in English II Honors — and because she was telling me this story, I assumed that she was, in her own way, letting me know that I had inspired her to take up the noble cause of teaching.

“Really? Because of me?” I asked, knowing the answer would brighten my eyes and my day.

“No! Because of Mrs. Hall,” she responded as she walked out of my office.

I couldn’t see her face, but I have no doubt that she had a bit of a smirk on it, knowing that she’d gotten a good jab in.

Maybe I haven’t inspired her to teach — I certainly think Mrs. Hall is a better inspiration anyway — but I consider it a blessing to have known, taught and advised Cassidy since she was a freshman.

We haven’t always seen rolled-eye-to-rolled-eye, but I’ve always admired Cassidy for her grit and especially for her sense of humor. I’m not sure I’ve ever taught a student who is so quick and so biting, and there is a good chance I won’t again.

I’m sad to know that she’s ending her run as a writer on The Prowl for a few reasons.

I’m sad because she is the first of the last three staff members who I taught who will be done at the end of this year, and that’s painful for myriad reasons. But I’m also sad because I think she still has a lot left to say, and I don’t know that we’ll ever have another school journalist who can say it in quite the same way. A unique voice is hard to find.

One more story from last year:

Cassidy asked me to complete a recommendation form for her. The form asked me to rate Cassidy’s work ethic, cooperation, etc. on a scale from 1-5. Because it was an important recommendation, I wanted to take it seriously.

When she came to pick the form up, I told her that I gave her a good recommendation but that I was truthful.

With a tone that only Cassidy can use, she said, “I’m never going to get anywhere if you tell the truth!”

Well, here’s the truth, Cassidy: I’m grateful I’ve had the chance to teach and know you since you were a freshman, and I believe you have the ability to do something special. I’ll miss your jokes, and I’ll miss you.