Mr. Deavers' Opus

Several years ago, I watched a movie called "Mr. Holland's Opus" despite the fact that it starred Richard Dreyfuss.

At the time that the film was released, I refused to see it in the theatre simply because critics were raving about it. I figure that's always a dead giveaway that the movie actually sucks. I also had no desire to see it because it starred Richard Dreyfuss. (Can you tell I'm not a fan?)

One rainy Saturday I was extremely bored, so I watched the movie. To my shock, it was actually pretty good.

It's about a frustrated composer that takes a job as a high school music teacher to pay the bills while attempting to complete his labor of love: a symphony. A symphony that will become his legacy.

Months turn into years; years turn into decades.

What was supposed to be a temporary stepping stone to his dream turned into his career. As time moved on, more and more time was devoted to his students and his job; his symphony took a back seat.

The school demanded more and more from Mr. Holland.

The job that started out as a music appreciation class evolved into the creation of a school orchestra. That evolved into the creation of a high school marching band. That evolved into directing a school musical.

Each evolution seemed to be an insurmountable task and what seemed to be impossible task was met because Mr. Holland had an uncanny ability to to make each student believe that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself.

...and the symphony that once was a labor of love was eventually put on a to-do list; the to-do list that there never seems to be enough time to complete.

It was not until Mr. Holland was forced into retirement that he finally realized that his legacy was not the symphony he struggled to complete. His legacy was in the students that he taught.

Now....of course this film was not based on actual people or events and any similarities are purely coincidental; or so I thought.

Ed Deavers taught high school literature. He had a unique ability to make students love literature as much as he did.

When the high school marching band needed someone to choreograph the rifle team, drill team, and flag corps routines, Mr. Deavers volunteered. He spent countless hours after school conducting rehearsals. He gave up summer vacations for band camps and marching practice.

When the drama department needed someone to teach the class and direct the school play, Ed Deavers stepped up to the plate.

Ed Deavers eventually left South Cobb High School and over the years taught at McEachern High School, The Walker School, Harrison High School and Kennesaw Mountain High School. His career spanned the 70's, 80's, 90's....all the way through 2010.

On February 12, 2010 Ed Deavers died. He was only 57.

His legacy was not playing the lead in any Shakespearian play, nor was it in any of the awards received by the band as a result of his relentless rehearsal schedules.

His legacy is in the students that were lucky enough to have him as a teacher.

The truly sad thing is that I'm not sure if he ever realized the impact he had on each student that he taught.

Someone created a tribute to him on Facebook.

Mr. Deavers' Opus can be found in reading the comments on his page.

Ed Deavers' Facebook Page