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Richard Lum
Richard Lum has been the dedicated music teacher at Ravenwood Elementary since 1995. Over the past 25 years, he has remained the consummate professional who is well respected among his colleagues, Ravenwood families, and the greater community.
He is described by his coworkers as ardently dedicated to his students and their musical development and goes above and beyond to the point of often putting them ahead of what is best for himself.
"He offers before and after school handchimes and choir multiple times each week in addition to lunchtime rehearsals for talent show acts," said his principal. "He appears to be indefatigable."
His dedication isn't only noticed by his peers and principal, but also by his students and their families. Many students wrote recommendations for Richard describing him as having a caring, hard-working heart. Students clearly respect his teaching methods as a number of them joyfully wake up extra early in the mornings for choir practice.
"Mr. Lum is the definition of a teacher who should be able to win a grammy," wrote fifth grader Emma Arnold, "Our school would not be the same without him. He is funny and taught me how to read notes and play instruments of different varieties. Mr. Lum has boosted my courage to take a risk, try something new, and most of all to be who I am and that's why he should be nominated for the Denali."