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This article about WEAC member Clayton Nei is reprinted with permission from the Herald Times Reporter of Manitowoc (www.htrnews.com). It originally ran March 20, 2006. Clayton Nei's National Guard unit
By Amy Weaver MANITOWOC — Clayton Nei learned Wednesday just how much influence a teacher can have on his students. He has taught students lessons beyond the classroom for the past five years as a technology education instructor at Washington Junior High School. Students call him one of their best teachers, and say he is an inspiration to them and a credit to our nation for staying in the U.S. Army National Guard for 23 years. "He taught us how to respect everyone," said ninth-grader Randy Wittmus. "He is more like a father to us." Wednesday marked Nei's last day at school as his unit, the 121st Field Artillery based in Plymouth, prepares for deployment to the Middle East. Nei, a staff sergeant, couldn't say where he would be based or what he would be doing. He will be gone for at least a year. This will be the third time he has been activated, but the first time he will be sent overseas. His son, Michael, 23, serves in the National Guard in South Dakota and returned from Iraq a year ago. "Now it's dad's turn to go," said the elder Nei. The respect the students expressed throughout a surprise assembly in his honor showed Nei he wasn't leaving a bunch of kids, but rather young adults. To witness the influence her husband had on his students brought Peggy Nei to tears. He consoled her with a hug. Nei says he stayed in the military for so long because of the students, whom he considers the future leaders of the world. He said he wants to ensure they have access to the kind of education he had. That sentiment made ninth-grader Sarah Driftmier feel special, "like we actually matter." Several students and staff greeted Nei after the assembly to give thanks and bid him farewell. Some cried. Many offered a warm embrace. "It's a sad and good day," said eighth-grader Bryan Kornely. "He's going to serve our country, but we lose a great teacher." Nei shed a tear when he walked into the gym for the assembly. He adjusted his black beret before he was allowed to enter — without a clue of what awaited him inside. The commotion created by nearly 700 students calmed as local veterans brought in the American flag. The respectful silence turned into a standing ovation for Nei. Students flanked him, passing him red, white and blue carnations as he made his way toward the center of the room. "When I walked in with the kids, the teachers and the carnations, it hit me," he said afterward. Nei has promised to return to the classroom when his deployment is over. Superintendent Mark Swanson said Nei's assignment demonstrates to his current and former students the importance of democracy and patriotism. Posted April 3, 2006 |