Teachers receive congressional honors: Lester Chun and Steven Oshita recognized for work at Crocker Middle School

“Lester Chun has taught generations of young people to love music,” Speier said. “Not many people have congressional statements made about them.”

Speier, whose son was in Chun’s class for three years, noted that Chun would hold an extra section before school to help students practice.

“He did more than teach band, he taught leadership and commitment,” she said.

Chun, who accepted the award with his wife Janet Chun, a former Crocker principal, advised students at the assembly to participate in as many activities as possible before graduating since time flies by really fast in middle school. Chun recorded a video of the crowd of 500 students to send to Oshita, who was in Maui, and couldn’t make the ceremony.

“He (Oshita) was no ordinary math and science teacher because he also teaches about life and leadership,” Speier said.

Oshita taught at Crocker for 37 years and many of its current teachers were in his science classes. One science teacher at the school, Ron Frankel, was in Oshita’s class when he attended Crocker himself.

“He was one of the most influential teachers I had and one of the biggest reasons I’m a teacher,” Frankel told the children at the assembly. “Think, what would Mr. O do? And do that.’”

Frankel’s son, Isaac Frankel, a sixth-grader at Crocker, was actually in Chun’s instrumental music class for two years at West Elementary School. Isaac Frankel fondly remembers putting on school concerts.

“He was always welcoming and caring to us,” he said. “He was understanding and patient.”

Another student, Aiden Duncanson, an eighth-grader at Crocker, was in Oshita’s science class. He recalled one time Oshita made a really funny joke during a lecture and everyone laughed.

“He had a big influence on my life,” he said. “He always had a smile on his face. No one was ever bored (in his class). He loves teaching and that’s why he does it — not for money.”

Social studies and leadership teacher Ryan Carroll, said he learned from Oshita to do better every year. Principal Catherine Ward-Mikes said the recognition was significant for both teachers.

Earlier this year, the Hillsborough Elementary School District Board of Trustees dedicated the band room to Chun for his long and exemplary service to the students. Chun and Oshita were both honored at a reception in June as well.

angela@smdailyjournal.com

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