Elizabeth Porter Hankins

Just received my acceptance to Bread Loaf with a full scholarship for this summer (2021). I owe it entirely to Ms. Hankins. I would do anything to be able to call her and tell her. I am so grateful. It took me long enough but I got there, Ms. Hankins!

Ms. Hankins was the only teacher I have ever met who could use her knife-sharp wit and sarcasm to tear a student's work apart, and in the end earn their love and respect for what she forced them to achieve. She was an incredible teacher who wasn't afraid of anything, and if she was here right now, she'd probably force us to take down this loving tribute to her, shouting "NO CHEESE!!" and pointing to her list of poetry rules. But cheesy or not, we love you Ms. Hankins, you're amazing.

Ms. Liz Hankins was one of the best teachers I have ever known. She pushed me to reach heights that I never thought I could reach. She would listen to a crazy teenager and somehow understand the trials of the time. She will be missed!

I am forever changed by my time with Mrs. Hankins. I learned so much from her, and I am so grateful that I got the chance to know her at all. I will miss her terribly, and I will never forget her.

Mrs. Hankins was an amazing teacher and friend. It was a privilege to be in one of her first Honors english classes (76-77). She challenged me to think outside the box and to accept people for who they are. To her family and friends, I know this is a terrible loss for you. I will be thinking of you.

Liz was amazing and inspirational. She was an outstanding teacher, a feminist's feminist and a clown. She was so sharp and so witty and so generous with her wisdom. She had the answer to every question. I hope she knows how much I loved her and that she cut a wide,wide swathe. I am so grateful to have known her. I've spent no small amount of time trying to write as beautifully as Liz. Now if I can only live as beautifully as Liz.

I will always be thankful to Ms. Hankins for helping me grow as a writer. In high school, it was short stories and college essays. Today it's reports on the evening news. But I still see the image of her 10 rules for creative writing on the chalkboard every time I put pen to paper. We are all lucky to have known such a wonderful lady.

Liz, for all the lives you touched, for all the careers you spawned, for all the words you created, there is no greater reward than your place in heaven. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former world has passed away." God speed, our sweet Liz.

My daughter, Lauren, is one of the many students touched by Mrs. Hankins in AP English. She was a wonderful teacher and loved by her students.