Years later, when Oakdale High School celebrated its 50th anniversary, the alumni association invited Mary to receive a special award for her dedication to teaching. As she stepped up to the microphone, a sea of familiar faces gazed back at her, some with nostalgia, others with a hint of fear.
"I had her for algebra," said Sarah, a junior. "I thought I was doing great, but then she gave me a C-minus on a test. I asked her to explain, and she just smiled and said, 'You didn't think outside the box, dear.'" tricky old teacher mary top
As Mary accepted the award, she smiled mischievously and said, "It's not about being tricky, my dear students. It's about being prepared for life's greatest puzzles." Years later, when Oakdale High School celebrated its