“I remember when …”

In our modern, technology-driven school world, adults will often get caught up saying that things were much better and different when they were back in school. 

But for Dorris Schaffer, she truly means. 

The 99-year old Emmaus resident was a freshman at Emmaus High School during the 1938-1939 school year. There was no fancy technology - just papers, books, and pencils. She selected her classes on the first day of school. She was able to go home for lunch and was trusted to come back! 

In the first episode of this special series, 9th Grade Experience Through the Decades, Schaffer recounts her days as she attended off-campus field trips to see Shakespeare plays, played on the basketball team, and recalled all the subjects she learned. She vividly recalls details, including teachers and classmates' names.

She also remembers an Emmaus community in which everyone was friendly and got to know each other. 

At the end of the episode, she shares her best tip for current 9th grade students about how to become better people and grow as listeners. 

This is an amazing walk through living history and we are happy to share Schaffer’s story!

For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to ⁠www.9thgradeexperience.com.⁠ If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show.

Emmaus Historical Society

Thanks to Jeanne Harakal, President of the Emmaus Historical Society, for facilitating this podcast conversation and for the picture in the cover art. The society’s mission is “to collect, preserve and exhibit Emmaus artifacts, documents, histories, photographs and genealogy for displays and research and to offer educational programs and events throughout the year.” Look for more podcasting collaboration in the future as we highlight stories of Emmaus 9th graders through the decades. For more information about the Emmaus Historical Society, visit https://www.emmaushistoricalsociety.org/

Musical Credit

Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode!

Education Podcast Network

I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit ⁠https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/