At First Presbyterian Day School in Macon, History teacher Rennie Atkinson inspires students to learn the lessons of the past.
Two of his students said he has made him them like history more and they admire Atkinson's, or Coach A as he is called by his students, work ethic.
"I feel like people don't understand how hard he works as a teacher," says student Katie O'Quinn. "He's always there before and after school. He's there to be of service to us."
"I've always been into History, but really more so with Coach A because he really gets us involved with like his stories," said classmate Paul Young.
Students said that his teaching style makes history jump off the page
"I like taking his class because he gets you involved with what happens and stuff," said Ben DuBose.
"I couldn't really pay attention because it was straight facts, but now it's like facts. And it's interesting the way he teaches it," said Ali Sawyer.
Atkinson said he teaches students the story of history so that it makes it easier for them to remember the facts.
"A lot of times they'll remember my stories a lot better than they remember the facts, but what happens is your mind ties the stories to the facts," said Atkinson.
After 36 years of teaching, he said his students are what keeps him excited about history.
"I was always taught that boys don't cry, but I had tears in my eyes, cause I do love these kids and it's good that they can love me back," said Atkinson.
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Macon, Georgia 31211