by Gregory Holowatyj and Alex Pantone

When social studies teacher Jared Lambie first started working for Baldwin 16 years ago, his wife was concerned about his hour-and-45 minute drive from their home in Colver, Pa., each day.

Lambie was not worried about his drive when he started working here. His wife, however, wanted him to find a different school closer to home.

“When I first started, there were jobs back here that I applied for,” Lambie said in an email interview. “I even turned down two jobs to keep teaching at Baldwin … Baldwin is stuck with me and I like that.”

Lambie said he has been reminded of the caring, family atmosphere here at Baldwin in the wake of the serious car accident he was injured in on Nov. 30.

He collided with the back of a tractor trailer near Blairsville, Lambie said. He broke his wrist, which needs a stainless steel stabilizer, broke his femur, which needs a titanium rod, and also suffered a small concussion.

He has been receiving physical and occupational therapy in his home twice a week.

Lambie is still not sure when he will be back to school. He hoped to visit before Christmas break but couldn’t make it in time, since he only got out of Crichton Rehab Center on Dec. 19.

“I miss the kids, the teachers, the whole entire staff and the atmosphere of Baldwin,” Lambie said.

“I think every experience affects your teaching.  I still remember a change in my teaching once I had kids,” he said. “I just think you really don’t know how appreciated you are until you get the cards and prayers and thoughts.  I have a stronger appreciation for the kindness of people.  Thank you Baldwin.”

Lambie was also worried about what his family would think.

“I was worried that I was going to be a big distraction to my family, for my friends, and my school.  I don’t like being the center of attention.”

Here at Baldwin, Lambie’s co-worker and friend, social studies teacher Kate Presto, helped him and his family by going around to staff members and collecting donations to send to them in this tough time. Their efforts raised $590.

In Lambie’s absence, Brittany Loftus had been substituting for him. With Loftus leaving for a job in the city, Kevin Louge taken over Lambie’s class until he returns.

“They are both wonderful and very professional teachers,” Presto said

Meanwhile Lambie’s colleagues have been talking to him and offering support through emails and video chatting.

Lambie is eager to know how his classes are doing and what is happening in Baldwin in general.

While no return date is set, Lambie is projecting he will be back later this school year.