Daniel’s Quiet Talent

I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had

Daniel’s gentle imagination, poetry, and art emerge through moments when classmates and teachers recognize abilities he rarely advertises.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Football Player’s Story The Football Player’s Story from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". The Football Player’s Story An unexpected performance Daniel reads about rescuing a kitten and physically acts out holding the tiny animal.

The Football Player’s Story from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". The Football Player’s Story An unexpected performance Daniel reads about rescuing a kitten and physically acts out holding the tiny animal.

The Football Player’s Story An unexpected performance Daniel reads about rescuing a kitten and physically acts out holding the tiny animal. His large football-player frame makes the scene unexpectedly tender. A remembered novel Howard compares him to Lennie from Of Mice and Men, and classmates remember a book they read months earlier. Daniel’s story reconnects the class through humor and shared reading.

A Poem on War A Poem on War from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Poem on War A serious choice Daniel chooses a poem about war and says that dreams can continue even after death.

A Poem on War from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Poem on War A serious choice Daniel chooses a poem about war and says that dreams can continue even after death.

A Poem on War A serious choice Daniel chooses a poem about war and says that dreams can continue even after death. His answer leads Danza to think about young people serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. A student’s own path Daniel says he wants to play football rather than enlist. His response makes his ambitions visible beyond his size and athletic role.

The Old Man’s Tears The Old Man’s Tears from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". The Old Man’s Tears A careful recital Daniel recites He Sits Alone, a poem about an elderly man in a nursing home, accompanied by sad instrumental music.

The Old Man’s Tears from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". The Old Man’s Tears A careful recital Daniel recites He Sits Alone, a poem about an elderly man in a nursing home, accompanied by sad instrumental music.

The Old Man’s Tears A careful recital Daniel recites He Sits Alone, a poem about an elderly man in a nursing home, accompanied by sad instrumental music. He supports the performance with a portrait he painted. Personal connection He says the poem reminds him of a grandmother who lives far away. His quiet explanation moves Linda Carroll as well as the judges.

A Contest Victory A Contest Victory from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Contest Victory Recognition from the judges Daniel’s performance receives unanimous top scores, and the students cheer.

A Contest Victory from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Contest Victory Recognition from the judges Daniel’s performance receives unanimous top scores, and the students cheer.

A Contest Victory Recognition from the judges Daniel’s performance receives unanimous top scores, and the students cheer. His calm, carefully prepared work becomes the contest’s defining moment. Art recognized as ability The victory shows classmates and adults that Daniel has expressive gifts beyond athletics. Danza sees the result as evidence of what a creative assignment can uncover.

A Lasting Encouragement A Lasting Encouragement from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Lasting Encouragement A teacher’s parting words As the classroom is cleared, Danza tells Daniel that he truly means what he has said about the student’s…

A Lasting Encouragement from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Lasting Encouragement A teacher’s parting words As the classroom is cleared, Danza tells Daniel that he truly means what he has said about the student’s…

A Lasting Encouragement A teacher’s parting words As the classroom is cleared, Danza tells Daniel that he truly means what he has said about the student’s talent. Daniel responds by observing that the room looks different without its displays. Quiet affection Daniel’s understated reply fits the gentle presence that has marked his story. Danza’s encouragement offers recognition without asking the student to perform gratitude.

The first day after spring vacation

The poetry contest in spring

The final round after the Blizzard of 2010

Immediately after the final recital

The final school day