Cindy Harkness
Corinne and I taught together at Fern Hill. It was my first year of teaching. I was hired on Fair Day. As a result, by the time I arrived at the school, everyone (with the exception of Corinne) had left the building and headed to the Fair. I was so nervous because I was scheduled to welcome 24 second graders the next morning (with their desks). (I had been hired to handle an overflow of students. It was mid-October.) Corinne remained at school. She welcomed me with a big smile and an open heart. She gave me a tour of the building, showed me where to find supplies, and totally put me at ease. I was so impressed that she was not concerned about going late to the Fair. Instead, she remained to help me . . a complete strange, but a fellow teacher. She was kind, helpful and had such a bubbly personality. We were two of the youngest teachers in the building. Throughout the year, we developed a very close friendship. We planned activities and events that combined our two classes (which was not often done back then). Corinne taught a self-contained SPED class, and I taught Gen-Ed second grade. We had so much fun! I was transferred the next year, but we remained good friends and "always picked up where we left off" when we ran into each other at classes and workshops. She was such a happy, kind person. She loved her profession and her students. She was hard working and dedicated to the success of each student she instructed. I will always remember her beautiful smile and her great laugh. I was so deeply saddened when I read her obituary. What an immense loss for everyone who knew her. She was such an amazing, talented person and will be missed by many. I am so sorry for your loss.