Seventh and eighth grades were wonderful years for Droozy. She liked all of her teachers. Mr. McIlroy taught mathematics, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell were her English teachers, Miss Vujenovic was in charge of the science curriculum, Frank Endry taught history. It was all so very interesting to Droozy. She was the teacher’s pet. Mr. McIlroy let her wipe the boards and had her do little errands for him. He even invited her to his house in a Cleveland suburb. Miss Vujenovic taught the young girl so much! It was a real joy to learn about the stars; the anatomy of the human body; about nutrition and how not to eat hamburgers from outdoor stands; how to stay healthy; how important fruit and vegetables are in the daily diet; about the universe and many interesting facts about the physical environment. Frank Endry taught history in a most understandable way. He talked about all the presidents, their backgrounds and what they achieved. He spoke of the Civil War, the end of slavery and the origin of America and its inhabitants. The Campbells took a special interest in Droozy and made sure that her English would always be clear and correct. When she needed it they corrected her gently and with understanding. They never ridiculed or made fun of her. They praised her for her accomplishments and made her feel that she counted in this world. They often had her read her compositions to the class and pointed out what a good command of the English language she had after just two years in this country.

Mr. Endry signed Droozy’s autograph book with words that the eighth grader never forgot and which she cherished. They were words that lifted her spirits when she felt especially sad or unhappy: “You’re a grand student, keep it up!” Whenever she reread those words she was able to reassure herself that she was not dumb, but a smart person after all.

Droozy looked forward to school every morning. When there was a day off she did not feel too happy. To this girl school was refreshing. It opened her mind to new adventures, made her aware of her environment and how to live a better life in it. She realized that education is a key that opens many doors. It taught the young girl ways to improve herself and how to understand other people.

As the eighth grade graduation drew near Droozy was told that she and a boy by the name of Nelson Smith were to be the valedictorians of their grade. The two were the top students in their class and would be giving the farewell speech the night of graduation. Droozy was very happy but sad at the same time that it would be the end of her junior high school experiences; that she would have to bid her beloved teachers and classmates farewell and that she would probably not see them again as her parents and she were moving away from Weirton soon.

Up
Introduction
Pork Dumplings
Please Don't Eat the Goldfish
Pretty Shoes
Blueberry Cake
Sukkot
The Garden
Maxel
The Red Rabbit
Passover
The Lost Bathing Tickets
What Shall I Do?  The Double Message
Pieces of Gold
Aromas of the Sabbath
The Birth of a Brother
Green Apples
Herr Kübler
The Broken Leg
Boarding School
The American Calendar
Suse Puppe
Shirley Temple Eyes
Kristallnacht Nov. 9, 10, 11
Aunt (Tante) Mathilde
Ice Skates
The Cologne Cathedral
The Escape
A Belgian Holiday
Gas Balloons and the S. S. Washington
Papa
The Statue
A Bad Dream
A Pencil Thief
The West Virginia Hills
Thanksgiving
Ice Cream, Grieben and Baked Spaghetti
The Gypsy’s Song
Venetian Blinds
The Deaf One
Dimmed Lights
Marryyayo
Friendship
Norma Mae
The Spelling Bee
Run, Thief, Run!
Chances
The Candy Store
The Birthday Party
Deep, Shallow Waters
Red Riding Hood
Small Mama
Droozy In Love
Eskimo Pies
Apple Picking Time
Working Days
Easter Baskets
Valedictorian
Farewell
Blind Joe
Lessons Learned From Parents
About the Author