In 9th grade Introduction to Literature, the students read the narrative essay “The Washwoman” by Isaac Bashevis Singer. To make this story come alive, Mrs. Jayawardene assigns her students the task of interviewing “stalwart” teachers at TCS. We are releasing the second in a series of excerpts from essays that students wrote about Mrs. Leahy, Mr. Carroll, Miss Walker, and Mrs. Delmanto.
Summary of the Response Given
Mr. David Carroll taught at Timothy Christian School for 29 years. In his early years, he describes that he had no church life he. He says, “My parents were not against God, they were just not interested in Him.” However, God wanted Mr. Carroll to be a Christian. Mr. Carroll says that throughout his life, God placed believers around him, so that he could go to them if he had any questions. When he went to college, he realized that he needed Jesus to take control, and at 25 years old, he invited Christ into his heart.
Mr. Carroll was first invited to TCS through his brother-in-law, Mr. Mortland, who was the director of development and had asked him to play music for the fall banquet. After the banquet, he was approached by Mr. Gottshall who then asked him to start a band program to which he gladly agreed. That same summer they built the band room, and that started his career as the band director in 1992. He went around asking students if they owned an instrument and could play it. In all, he found 16 students, and they were the first band TCS every had. He invited parents and staff to play with the students at their first concert. Mr. Carroll continued the band program for 29 years, teaching many students music and middle school bible.
After his 29 years of teaching, Mr. Carroll retired for 2 years but is now back as the Extended Care Coordinator. This means he oversees before school care and after school care. Alongside this, he is also a substitute teacher.
When talking about things that have changed in his time at Timothy he noted that Building 2 didn’t have a chapel, they had chapel in building 4. The three rooms in Building 4 for science, English, and math was one whole chapel room. The lunchroom was where the library is now. The Christ-centered staff has not changed at all.
Mr. Carroll explained to us how he strives to be like Paul, God’s chosen disciple, even though he wasn’t named among the 12 disciples. His favorite book in the Bible is John, and his favorite verse is John 17:3. To apply God’s word in his daily life, Mr. Carroll explained how he walks with Him. He walks alongside God in His Spirit, talks to Him all the time, and hears His voice in his Spirit. He applies God’s Word by believing what He says, following everything through Him. In the book of John, chapters 14 and 16, it says Jesus and His Holy Spirit dwells within us and will guide us through all truth and remind us of the things Jesus has taught us if we’re listening to Him. So, like a teacher, He guides us, not so much as finding a verse that tells you what to do, but by walking with the Holy Spirit. He’ll guide you with that inner voice, like when you say “Oh, maybe I shouldn’t do that, or maybe I shouldn’t say that.” Mr. Carroll said, “Walking with Him, that’s how He guides me, and everyone, through life.”
Conclusion
To summarize our analysis and interview with Mr. Carroll, his journey with TCS shows his strong commitment to education, his faithful walk with God, and his love for developing the future generations into leaders and people of God. His 29-year career as a band teacher and music director helped him deepen his craft of helping students get better at their musical talents and made him love music even more. By teaching band at TCS, Mr. Carroll brought a strong drive to cultivate the program, inspiring students to do better. His enthusiasm for teaching music not only expanded the school’s curriculum, but also taught students how to communicate, express themselves, and have great teamwork. The establishment of the band room and program in 1992 was an important moment for TCS, allowing students to develop musically and help build strong friendships. Mr. Carroll’s dedication to music extended beyond the band room, participating in many banquets and performances for the school, helping create a musical atmosphere for TCS. Mr. Carroll’s legacy proves that he did not just add music to the curriculum, but he helped deepen the school’s community and shows how much he loved teaching.