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Tribute to J.C.Herbert
Ruthanne Foster
Thursday November 6th, 2003
I'd like to take this opportunity to say how honoured I am to have my poem selected as this year's recipient of the J.C. Herbert Award.
I received my high school education here at I.D.C.I., which was Mr. Herbert's domain for many years.
There could have been many words to describe myself and my actions during the 4 years I attended his school. I can safely say that the word POET was not one of them.
I was an "outsider" in so many ways and there were times when my methods of trying to fit in did not endear me to the staff and administration. I can almost imagine J.C.'s reaction if he were here tonight. I'd probably be invited down to his office - again.
Almost 40 years have passed since I first met Mr. Herbert. Those peers I tried so hard to impress are all but a memory now. However, J.C.'s wisdom continues to be an influence-
shaping the way I think, the decisions I make. Even now, he challenges me to keep writing - to be able to change, adapt, and never stop learning - values that held importance to him and those he chose to gather around him.
Surely this must be the legacy of leadership and the measure of a man's worth - to have left this vision that endures long after his death.
I stand humbled by his foresight. Thank you.
From the 2003 James McIntyre Poetry Evening..
In the 2003 James McIntyre Poetry Contest, Ruthanne Foster was the winner of the J.C. Herbert Award, for her poem "After Thoughts". This award is given for "a longer poem about rural or small town life", and honours the memory of J.C. Herbert, who was a teacher and principal at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute, Ingersoll, Ontario. As she accepted the award, Ruthanne Foster paid this tribute to Mr. Herbert.
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