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Summarized by Eileen Bell
LDS Drama Teacher Leaves Legacy
(Phoenix) AZ Republic 14Jul00 P2
By Anita Mabante Leach: The Arizona Republic
PEORIA, ARIZONA -- Former students and colleagues of a beloved drama
teacher are remembering him after his sudden passing this month. Ron
Selim of Peoria, Arizona, passed away in his sleep, leaving his wife
Lynne and their three children.
The active LDS family man helped his students in the Peoria
Unifed School District learn not only about theater, but about
their own potential.
Former student Jaime Piepenburg says, "Ron Selim, for four years,
was the person I saw more than my parents! From the time I was a
freshman and scared out of my wits to get on stage, he was my
biggest supporter. He made me believe I could do anything I put
hard work into."
Peoria High School choral director Michael Hancey says Brother
Selim was a huge help to him as Hancey began teaching there.
"I was having a difficult time, as all new teachers do, and he was
a really good leader and spiritual guide for me. When my youngest
child, Elizabeth, was six weeks old, she was rushed to
the hospital for surgery. The only person I could think of to call
was Ron, and he came immediately to be with us. I try and
remember the things that he taught me: to be willing to give
service, being available at a moment's notice."
Other teachers remember all the time that Brother and Sister Selim
put into making sets and costumes for productions. Band director
Gary Flowers says, "That really, to me, says it all. The fact that he
spent so much time, putting in long hours. He was always a joy to
work with. We're going to miss him tremendously."
Brother Selim also helped a local community theater group
for children pull together after their founder had to step down.
Maria Ballance from the Playhouse Theater for Children says,
"If it wasn't for Ron Selim, the theater probably would have died,
(it) would not have continued without him and his resources - his
students, technical help and theater management class."
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