Sylvia F. Orman

Sylvia had a gift for connecting with people and finding the best in them. She inspired her students to see themselves as they could be, not necessarily how they are, and she illuminated the path that could get them to that bright future. She opened her students eyes to alternative possibilities and career paths that they might otherwise not have known existed or believed possible. She was the best kind of teacher - one that fostered hope. We all miss her.

If not for the kindness and support of Mrs. Orman, I would not have survived high school.

Sylvia Orman came into my life my sophomore year at CHS and truly help me find that inner artist in me. She was definitely paramont in my life. I know she touched many of us "lost souls" during that difficult time in our lives.
She will truly be missed but not forgotten.

Sylvia was the only teacher who I went back to Central to touch base with for many, many years and even visited her at home from time to time. She combined a unique blend of adult mentor and personal friend; without compromising her place as an authority figure she was able to be the best friend many of her students ever had. She guided me to apply for the Scholastic Art Scholarship in 1969 when she was rather new at Central... no adult had shown support for my art work... I had never dared...

Because of Sylvia's guidance and encouragement, I became an artist, illustrator, cartoonist, and designer. I had Sylvia as a teacher, for four years at Central High and while a senior, worked on a project that ended up getting published into a book the following year in '79. I drew Sylvia as an angry cartoon character in the book "A Different Kind Of Boy", but in real life she was warm, funny, and just plain "awesome". I remember listening to her Olivia Newton John and Neal Diamond albums in...

Ms. Orman had to be the best teacher I ever had and the class I couldn't wait to get to. She was a beautiful spirit. I will never forget her big smile and always positive words. I know that she influenced me in my early years to now be an artist.

It is often said that it is impossible to rate teachers because the "report card" for them cannot be assessed until 25 years or so has passed. The fact that so many of Sylvia's students - literally in school and those who gained the benefit of her wisdom and caring in her personal life - were great successes in living fulfilling lives is testimony to what a great teacher she was. The fact that so many of her students stayed in contact with her is a testimony to what a great person she was. ...