The Catskill Chronicle

In the photo of Katherine Mejia, Mr. Brown is in the background noting points raised by the student and determining her grade. – Provided photo

FALLSBURG, NY – Thomas Brown has been one of Fallsburg High School’s outstanding teachers for many years. This year the Senior Class wrote a beautiful yearbook dedication to him for his ability to reach students in a direct and enjoyable way as he taught them American History. During the last week of classes, Mr. Brown showed why he brings history to life with a special class presentation on his United States History 11 class on June 9.

The subject was Bill of Rights Cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. Two students researched and prepared arguments before a panel of student justices, wearing black robes. The students received grades based on their arguments with evidence, their understanding of the case and explanation of the rulings, and providing a good joke or mnemonic to help with retention of the meaning of the decision. As the number of cases grew, some of the justices left the bench to become lawyers and previous lawyers donned the robes.

In the midst of role-playing lawyers and judges learning about fundamental Constitutional First Amendment rights was taking place. It was easy to see why Mr. Brown has reached so many young minds and hearts over his tenure in Fallsburg and why seniors would be honoring him in the yearbook.