In memory of my North Side High School English/Journalism teacher Miss Norma Thiele who died last week. (My mother took the photos at yesterday’s funeral in Fort Wayne, Ind., my hometown.)
Nathan Mertz and I were co-editors of the Northerner in 1992 and 1993, when we graduated. During my time on the paper, I interviewed a gay student during the AIDS epidemic and pregnant students about their plans after high school. Miss Thiele never batted an eye regarding the subject matter but pushed me to find responsible messages. And she cared about protecting the young people in the articles.
Those articles secured me a journalism scholarship at Ball State where I was a features and news editor on the Daily News. After college, I moved to New York City to become a dancer and always felt I disappointed her. Yet when I checked in on her, through telephone calls, I was amazed at her knowledge of Broadway and classical music.
I had to appreciate that she lived in a farmhouse off of Leesburg Road, the one she grew up in, and was one of the most worldly people I would ever meet. She was present at the birth of several Burmese children. A few Burmese parents named their babies after her, a sign of respect for the help she provided them in a new country.
The lack of significant mention in the Fort Wayne newspapers shows a type of death in the industry itself. So, I will write what was missed.
Norma Thiele, 92, is survived by a nephew, two nieces, great nephews and great nieces, and thousands of former students.
Some of these students write for major publications. Charlie Savage, my former classmate, won the Pulitzer Prize and continues to write front-page stories for the New York Times.
Because of her, I am a better reader, writer, and citizen.
When a soul like hers passes, I stand up.