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“A Recommendation for Mr. Prewitt to Enter Heaven”

Emily Park graduated as valedictorian from Foothill in June. She is a first-year student at Wellesley College in Boston and posted this open letter to the late-Chris Prewitt, a former Foothill teacher who was killed Sunday morning while jogging. She granted permission to republish her letter here.

Emily Park graduated in 2013. Credit: Aysen Tan/The Foothill Dragon Press.
Emily Park, Class of 2013. Credit: Aysen Tan/The Foothill Dragon Press.

*This is about Mr. Prewitt, how he helped me become the person I am today, his death, and the legacy he left behind. If this topic has the potential to make you uncomfortable, feel free to not read. Or don’t read because it’s a wall of text. Your choice.

Written on a blog directed to Wellesley College prospective students:

About two years ago, I was given a sign language name. In sign language, it becomes pretty cumbersome to spell individual letters in someone’s name over and over again, especially if they have a long name. Instead, they’ll come up with some sign language symbol as a way to refer to you, and that symbol becomes your identity. You never choose your own name. After asking what he thought my name should be, he thought for a little bit, and formed his hands into the sign language letter “E”, for Emily, before rolling around his knuckles and moving his hands left and right, as though playing a piano with a semi-closed fist.

The man who gave me my sign language name was Mr. Chris Prewitt, and his sign language name is created by creating the sign language letter “C” with your hands (pretty simple, just roll your hands into a “c”-looking shape) and rotating the hands upward a few times at chest height. The sign, when done with a flat palm, means “happy”. It makes sense, because that’s who Mr. Prewitt was. When I picture him I see a goofy grin and I hear a heart-filled laugh. His good mood was not only relentless, it was contagious. The man walks into the room all happy to talk about health at 1:30 PM, when you just want to go home, and you can’t help but be the slightest bit mystified, and amused, that someone could be that… bright… as in full of light.

Credit: Aysen Tan/The Foothill Dragon Press
Credit: Aysen Tan/The Foothill Dragon Press

Mr. Prewitt died this morning when he was hit by a reckless driver as he was jogging down the bike lane. So what? Why am I sharing this with Tumblr, with prospective students who couldn’t care less, when I should be studying for my Neuro midterm tomorrow? 

I want to share this with you guys because Mr. Prewitt is one of the big reasons for why I currently go to Wellesley College, or rather, how I got in. Not only was the man my Health/Geography teacher in the 9th grade, he was also the adviser for KIWIN’s, a community service club I helped start on my high school campus. When I was in the 11th grade, I became president of that club, and it was one of the hardest things I ever had to do in my high school career. However, no matter what problems and complications I had, Mr. Prewitt was always there to help me out with that grin of his. I asked him to be a chaperone for the club’s first off-campus event (WHICH IS THE MOST FRUSTRATING THING TO DO FOR A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL), and almost without hesitation he said he would do it. Mind you, we had never done this before, we had no idea what was going to happen, what would be expected of us, nothing, but Mr. Prewitt was there. He was there for every form, and for every bureaucratic process, and for every complication. He made my life much more manageable and much more sane that year.

In my senior year, I asked him to write my college recommendation letter, I asked him to write scholarship recommendation letters, and every time, he gave that same grin and that same resounding “Of course”. On my college applications I wrote about all of my accomplishments with KIWIN’s, I submitted these glowing teacher recommendations, I lauded my own leadership skills, and behind all of those great college application-padding things were a HUGE number of people who supported me and made all of it possible. Mr. Prewitt was one of these people.

Guys, it’s so SO easy during the college application process to get caught up in all the things you’ve done in high school. And rightly so, because you’ve had to dwell on it for months and months, and because you’re all beautiful people who have accomplished so much, but it’s important to remember, every once in a while, the people who made it all possible. I got into Wellesley, but it wasn’t just because of me, it was because of my family, my friends, my teachers, my advisers, my classmates. The Mr. Prewitts in life are what help you grow, what help you get into college. His support, and his letter of recommendation unlocked Wellesley College and its infinite door of opportunity for me. He helped give me a better future and also made me a better person.

And so, here I give to him what he gave to me. People are divisive about what happens after life, and I don’t want to be insensitive, but if there’s anyway I could write a recommendation for Mr. Prewitt to enter heaven, or whatever he believes is the great, fantastic adventure after life, it would look something like this:

(Written in the style of the college recommendation he wrote for me 10/31/12)

04/06/14

To Whom it May Concern, 

I have known Mr. Prewitt for about five years now in the capacity as a teacher, a mentor, and adviser. Mr. Prewitt was my Geography, Health, and World History teacher when I was a freshman, was the advisor for the community service club KIWIN’s when it first started during 2010-2012, and most recently served Ventura Unified School District as vice principal of Deanza Academy for Technology and the Arts during the years 2012-2014. Mr. Prewitt is a naturally and inherently good person, and sets the bar high for any man trying to enter heaven in the future. Mr. Prewitt has always seemed this way, bringing joy and light to those around him, being a friend to all, and having a sense of humor that alleviates any bad thing that has ever happened to anyone.

During Foothill’s first KIWIN’s District Convention, I was given the unique opportunity to see Mr. Prewitt interact with his family. The looks Mr. Prewitt gave his wife and his daughter were so filled with love, I almost felt as though I was intruding on a private, intimate moment. But that’s who Mr. Prewitt is; his love of life is the same as his love for his family- he wears it loudly and proudly.

If that’s not enough, Mr. Prewitt coached water polo at Buena High School, inspiring his team everyday, and if that’s not enough, he also spent his free time supporting Schools for Salone, a cause devoted to building stable schools and curriculum in Sierra Leone, Africa.

Maybe it’s enough to say that Mr. Prewitt was a teacher, someone who intentionally worked with 9th graders, and tried to get them to learn something, all with a smile on his face, for an amount that was probably much less than he deserved. Maybe it’s enough to say that Mr. Prewitt devoted his life to one of life’s most selfless careers: a career that works for the betterment of next generation’s future. Maybe it’s enough to say that he did all of this even though he only had 50% of normal hearing capacity. Maybe it’s enough to say that the previous fact was so inconsequential in this man’s life, people would normally forget about it shortly after meeting him. Maybe it’s enough to say that I only knew this one, tiny, minuscule slice of this man, of his accomplishments, of his life, and that I have this much to say about him.

There is one thing I know for sure, Mr. Prewitt will contribute far more to heaven than he will ever take, because Mr. Prewitt contributed far more to this earth than he ever took. I know this because of the legacy he’s left behind with me, with my family, with his coworkers, with my old school, and with all of my schoolmates’ who are currently grieving over his loss.

He once said that he would be honored if he could raise his daughter to be more like me, but my dream is to have the work ethic, the positivity, the pure kindness, the leadership skills, and the effect on people that Mr. Prewitt had while he was living. So really, he was just wishing for what was already true. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest role models his young daughter could ever have- that anyone could ever have. So it is, with a heavy, heavy heart, Mr. Prewitt is leaving life, our world, and our community, and with pride and pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation. In the too-short time that was his life , Chris Prewitt has directly contributed to changing me, and many others, for the better.

Sincerely,

Emily Park.

Rest in peace, Mr. Prewitt. I miss you.

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  • D

    David RockettApr 10, 2014 at 1:37 am

    Chris prewitt was a great coach and teacher. I played polo for Nordhoff the years he was a teacher and coach. He was a major impact on everyone on his teams. He was a great teacher with a lot of heart. I’ve got the utmost respect and love for coach prewitt and his family.

     
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  • C

    Cherie EulauApr 9, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    Just when I thought I could cry no more I read this wonderful letter. Thank you Emily.

     
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  • D

    Deanna (Antunez) BaczekApr 9, 2014 at 6:56 am

    You nailed it, Emily!! You continue to make VUSD proud. We’ve lost a member of our team and you put words to the thoughts of many. Thank you.

     
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  • 1

    123pfui5Apr 9, 2014 at 5:43 am

    Beautifully written, Emily. Although its devastatingly sad that Mr. Prewitt passed away, (I didn’t know him) it’s heartwarming to know that there are educators like him out there. I’m not sure how exactly to put this, but when a fellow teacher friend of mine was asked “Do you think he’s in heaven?”, she replied “Of course!” She said it with a huge smile and total conviction, “How could he be anywhere else?”

     
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  • L

    Lyndsay/FTHS AlumniApr 8, 2014 at 9:59 pm

    Emily,

    I don’t know you and I graduated before you ever attended Foothill. I didn’t play water polo and I only had Prewitt for one World History course. He was the first person that ever made history interesting to me. He even made it fun. I still remember the classroom re-enactments of world wars. This makes me wish I had gotten to know him much better in my time at FTHS. I heard about his passing on Sunday and I hadn’t cried about it until just now.

    This was beautifully written. I was truly moved by your words. If heaven, or as you put it, “whatever he believes is the great, fantastic adventure after life,” requires any letters of recommendation, I’m sure he got in with no trouble at all. Thank you for this.

     
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  • K

    Kelly Hatton/VUSD AdminApr 8, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    Thank you for writing & sharing this tribute. It is absolutely beautiful. “Happy”… so perfect…

     
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  • J

    Jim Morgan/Former Assistant Principal,Buena High SchoolApr 8, 2014 at 4:56 pm

    Dear Emily,
    You honestly brought tears to this old man’s eyes. Mr. Prewitt passed by my office often on his way to the pool. He always looked me right in the eyes, shook my hand firmly, and gave me that fabulous smile. I’m sure your letter would bring tears to his eyes as well. Thank you very much for your wonderful thoughts.

     
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  • L

    Lisa Middough/ sewing TeacherApr 8, 2014 at 6:33 am

    Emily
    Thanks so much for this beautiful memory. In our lives there should be one goal and I believe this should be it. To leave such a lasting memory on the hearts of those we teach, know and love. May this goal be that of all teachers, I know it is mine. May you and all the friends and family of this man be touched to the point of ‘Passing it forward” thanks for sharing.
    Lisa Middough

     
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  • C

    Carrie MijonApr 7, 2014 at 11:29 pm

    Thank you so much for this beautiful piece. Chris is my cousin, I have known him all my life. And while it breaks my heart to read a posthumous tribute to him, it also makes me incredibly proud to know that others feel the way his family feels about him; to know that he touched so many lives in a profound way. I am so grateful to see his spirit live on in the memories and the actions of so many people.

     
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  • J

    jeff gasperApr 7, 2014 at 11:16 pm

    Emily, you are blessed indeed to have had this remarkable man in your life, but it is just as clear that he was given an enormous gift with your presence in his life. A man like him seeks out people like you, knowing that the interactions, exchanges and the love that will come to exist will be quite literally the juice of life he is living for. You have accepted the torch without question… and it is clear for all of us to see that your life and the gift it will be for many others, will certainly keep him smiling from above.

    Thank you for sharing your heart.

     
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  • N

    notanotherteenmommyApr 7, 2014 at 8:48 pm

    Bless you, for sharing his legacy so wonderfully. And prayers to him & his loved ones.

     
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  • L

    Linda KapalaApr 7, 2014 at 7:19 pm

    What a wonderful tribute to an incredible man who touched so many lives! This was so heartfelt and once again I have tears rolling down my cheek, but also a smile on my face as I remember his positive spirit and his twinkling blue eyes. Thank you for this, Emily and thank you Chris for touching so many lives.

     
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  • A

    Anita JeffreyApr 7, 2014 at 6:50 pm

    What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful human! He contributed so much for the greater good. My daughter is devastated by this news. He brought out the best in his students. My heartfelt condolences to his family, his students and his colleagues.

     
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  • P

    PatriciaApr 7, 2014 at 6:18 pm

    Wow, what a beautiful tribute to Mr. Prewitt. It sounds like he was an incredible teacher, mentor, leader, friend, husband and father. Just what we need more of in this world, our classrooms, and our schools. Beautifully written, Emily!

     
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  • M

    Mika AndersonApr 7, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    Emily this was so touching. Thank you for this. In your own little way, you are helping us grieve and heal.

     
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  • L

    LindaApr 7, 2014 at 5:00 pm

    Wow Emily what a beautiful tribute!

     
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  • J

    John HojApr 7, 2014 at 3:09 pm

    Thank you. I taught with Chris at Nordhoff before he moved on to Foothill and I can honestly say that I never, ever saw the man without a smile on his face. He was never flustered by anything. I am happy to have known him. I will take those positive thoughts of him with me everywhere.

     
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  • M

    Mae WaughApr 7, 2014 at 1:37 pm

    I knew Mr. Prewitt as a teacher and coach at Nordhoff in Ojai, circa 2001. He is one of the reasons I became a teacher. His passing is heart-breaking, but thank you so much for scripting so eloquently the impact he had on all of us.

     
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  • C

    CaptainApr 7, 2014 at 11:57 am

    Wow, what an amazing and thoughtful tribute to a spectacular man.

     
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  • G

    getupgetoutgohikeApr 7, 2014 at 11:08 am

    This was so beautifully written, and I am sure that he is in heaven. There is no way God would refuse such an amazing soul. He brought so much light to our world, I know he will do the same in heaven. Praying for his wife and daughter.

     
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    • S

      Shani PrietoApr 7, 2014 at 12:55 pm

      Beautiful! I am sure he is smiling down on you with great pride.

       
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    • D

      DATA studentApr 10, 2014 at 5:15 pm

      Mr. Prewitt has been my assistant principle for 2 years now. Since I am in ASB, I worked with him A LOT. So I knew him pretty well. I was devestated when I found out he was gone. I still am. But this was beautiful!! This made me feel better 🙂 This shows how amazing he really was. He will definitely get into heaven with this 😉 thank you

       
      Reply
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“A Recommendation for Mr. Prewitt to Enter Heaven”