 As a middle schooler, my ever-growing, changing and hopefully maturing brain was very easily molded and shaped into believing whatever a teacher said. When I met Mr. Skip Perry for the first time as a sixth grader at Three Oaks Middle, I had the feeling this was a teacher who would guide me in the right direction. He encouraged me to fall in love with music and not only changed my school career, but taught me valuable skills and gave me knowledge that impacted my entire life. Beginning band class is a time for trying new things. I was a little uncertain about the class when I first started, only because I had never been exposed to, well, band. Mr. Perry eliminated my fears and turned band into something to look forward to every single day. His engaging lessons, along with his positive attitude, his knowledge and his humor, got the class excited to play an instrument. My personal favorite has to be, you're as lost as a one-legged man in a rear end kicking contest. My middle school career was at a high and I was evolving into a fantastic musician, if I do say so myself. But as they say, some things are just too perfect. One morning, Mr. Perry was commuting to work when he got into a devastating car accident. His prognosis was bleak, he wasn't expected to live. The whole school was traumatized and I wasn't even sure what to think. A week later, Mr. Perry passed away. This absolutely broke my heart. My relationship with him was so special and it was abruptly ended because of one instant. When I think back to my middle school years, my experience in band always strives me to reflect and remember Mr. Perry. He left behind a legacy that will always be remembered by the local people, especially me. I'll always remember him as one of the greatest teachers I've ever had, not to mention a phenomenal musician. He taught me that you need to strive to positively influence other's lives and if you do, you'll always be remembered.