On May 15, during first period, Latin club officers Allie Hudson and Gia Haemmerle surprised English/Latin teacher Mrs. Deborah Carter with a declaration, written in Latin, designating Monday, May 15 a day for honoring Carter’s contribution to FCPS.

The Latin declaration reads:

“Salve!  Tuum temporem et studium laudare cupiemus, ergo diem triumphi tibi paravimus! Drachmae et festa te prostpectant!  Drachmas ex magistras magistrosque specta, et no time induere togam — hodie diem tui est!”  —Tui discipuli amicique.

Hudson and Haemmerle presented Carter with a laurel wreath crown of gold (paper plate craft) made by Mrs. MaryEllen Newcomb and chocolate foil covered gold coins.

Haemmerle said, “She’s helped me set my standards higher.”

Deborah Carter has taught for FCPS for 30 years and will retire effective July 1. Her entire career has been at Linganore High School, during which time she has built the Latin program to national recognition. This includes many high achievers on the National Latin Exam, state participation in the Maryland Junior Classical League, and awards and trophies for the annual Certamen throughout the years.  Students learned about antique coins and had many unique experiences, including building a chariot.

Carter taught all levels of English and has a reputation for grammar instruction. She and her students love to find grammatical errors on public signs, menus, newspapers, and more.

Hudson said, “My experiences with Mrs. Carter have made me a more open and compassionate person.”

Throughout the day, staff members will give gold chocolate coins to Carter as “payment” for her years of service. The English and World Languages departments are hosting an Ancient Roman feast for lunch, which will include foods traditionally eaten in Ancient Rome: olives, dates, barley, and more.

After school, the staff is invited for cake and silly trivia games.

Ab imo pectore, thank you, Mrs. Carter.