In 1978, a dedicated teacher in New York promised his students an eclipse party on April 8, 2024 when the next total solar eclipse was scheduled to occur. “When he said we were going to meet for the eclipse and he held true to it, here we are,” Nancy Mintz said according to a Democrat & Chronicle article.
Kendra Denson, of Rochester, who was in Moriarty’s class in 1984, cried as the eclipse took place. Later, she stood shoulder to shoulder with old friend Jennifer Heaphy, who is a current Webster teacher, reminiscing about the time they pranked Moriarty, getting him to dash out of his classroom because Denson had, falsely, fallen down a school staircase. “To see all the different classes join together — this was, to me, a true class reunion,” Denson said.
The Eclipse Promise:
- Mr. Patrick Moriarty taught at the Webster Central School District in New York.
- He promised his students in 1978 that they would have an eclipse party on April 8, 2024 when a total solar eclipse was set to occur.
A Memorable Experience:
- Mr. Moriarty’s dedication and creativity made the eclipse party a memorable and educational experience for everyone who attended. “I thought it would be a nice little core of people who were totally into eclipses, and maybe they’d share the experience with me,” Moriarty said to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. “But it’s not about the eclipse any more. It’s about this. It’s about the sharing. It’s about the impact of teachers. It’s about so much more.”
A Lasting Legacy:
- Mr. Moriarty’s eclipse party is now a legendary tale in New York and the Webster Central School District community.
- It is a reminder of the power of teachers to inspire and motivate their students.
- Mr. Moriarty’s eclipse promise is a testament of the immeasurable value and importance of teachers and an exemplary example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of many.
