November 22, 2000  Media Contact: Nancy Saint John, (858) 534-3141  UCSD HONORS MORSE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER IN CEREMONY "He sincerely wanted us to do well." "We could go to him anytime and talk to him about anything." "He was not only our teacher; he was our adviser, mentor and counselor." "He took great care of us; his class was like a home to us." These are a few of the accolades heaped upon Morse High School teacher Robert Lunsford by his former students.   Lunsford will be honored as UCSD's high school Teacher of the Year in a ceremony at the high school, 6905 Skyline Dr., at 2:30 p.m., Dec. 4. Dr. Joseph Watson, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at UCSD will present Lunsford with a commemorative plaque as the 2000-2001 winner. UCSD's program is unique in that the nominees are selected by their former students, all of whom are now enrolled at UCSD.   Lunsford, a teacher of American Literature and director of Morse High School's seminar program, is in his 34th year of teaching and his 32nd year at Morse. He is called "an inspiration" by his students. According to Jennifer Rivor, Morse valedictorian for 2000, and current UCSD freshman, Lunsford "develops a great bond with his students. Whether the subject was English, college or life, he was always there for us."   His students hone their college writing skills in his classes, and his senior seminar group publishes a literary magazine each year. Lunsford also helps his students with the college application process. "Many of my students are the first generation in their family to go to college, so I talk with them about the basics - financial aid, living on campus, going away or staying near home." Morse High sent 25 graduates to UCSD this year. Colleagues say that Lunsford is passionate about literature, and is also able to advise his students about delicate issues in their teenage lives. "He's what good education is all about," according to one.  UCSD's Outstanding Teacher Recognition Program was initiated in 1996 by the Office of Admissions and Outreach as a way of showing appreciation to the high school teachers whose dedication instills a love of learning in their students. Each spring, students who accept UCSD's offer of admission are given the opportunity to nominate a teacher who had a strong academic influence on their lives. The university received more than 2,600 nominations for 2,300 teachers from across the United States and nine countries internationally this year. Each teacher was given a certificate of recognition and a letter from UCSD Chancellor Robert C. Dynes. The teacher garnering the most nominations is named Teacher of the Year. Morse High School also boasts 10 other nominees among its teachers.   "This program is so inspiring for us. We're proud of how well it has been received by teachers and school administrators," says Mae Brown, Director of UCSD's Office of Admissions and Outreach. "It is extremely important to thank those teachers who work tirelessly to prepare their students for a college education. Plus, it gives our students a tangible way to show their appreciation."

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