Bernard Elliot Swanson

Mr. Swanson was my Current Affairs teacher in 1986. He provided a place for us to spend before school, playing new MTV videos he taped on VHS. He was the reason I became extremely interested in world events at the young age of 14. What other teacher could instill sincere interest in the political activities in places in the world like Lebanon and Nicaragua at such a young age? He cared. He really cared. He made a serious difference in my life. Thank you Mr. Swanson.

I met Bernie in 1962, in Mrs. Gray's 12th Grade English Class, where we immediately became good friends, often cutting class and loafing in the balcony of HHS's Auditorium, chatting about poetry and music......Shortly before his death, I called him to 'catch up', since we'd not seen or heard from one another in so long.......We talked about Love and Death for a long time.....then....days later....he was kaput!

In many ways I owe my career to him. Because of the way he taught Current World Affairs I had a hand up in my chosen field, International Relations. More than that, however, he saved me when I was going through the toughest time of my life. His classroom was a safe space. His belief in me lifted me up. From him I learned how to mentor, how to be there for others when it was my turn to take on that role. So, in teaching me, he taught generations. In adulthood, we became friends. I...

I was one his students in 1976. In a special needs. I have two letters from him. And a picture. We would talk once a month. He believed in be. Very good teacher.

Mr. Swanson was the best teacher at Huntsville High School. He truly cared about his students and teaching them subjects that were interesting and making them fun to learn about. He was truly an amazing teacher and had such an impact on me and my love for learning. He always arrived to school early and students of all grades would stop by to say hello because everyone loved him. Everyone will miss him but he will definitely not be forgotten.

Mr Swanson was instrumental in my ability to think critically. I´m fortunate that I had him as a teacher (and got to sit in his class again when i wasn´t driving for driver´s ed). He will be greatly missed but he certainly had a positive impact on thousands of lives.

Mr Swanson was my current world affairs teacher in 1983. He was a wonderful and inspiring teacher. I still remember signing his desk. Please accept my sincere condolences.

One of the best teachers ever! I will always remember his being at the school no matter how early I opened the library. He was loved by so many students and admired.

Mr. Swanson's World Geography class had more impact on me and the trajectory of my life than any other class I have ever taken, and I am sorry I did not tell him so while he was alive. He introduced us all to the concept of climate change when no one else was talking about it. I still remember his three action points to to combat it (not verbatim): -reduce carbon emissions, -reduce world population growth, -help to pull desperate populations out of poverty. I am ashamed we have not...