There are countless teachers whose students remember them as personal heroes, but few left the imprint of Ron Bright’s years in education.

The late, much loved Castle High School drama teacher and director mentored many toward their own performing arts careers. Even those who never took to the stage again after graduation nonetheless could tap a newfound confidence, as they pursued whatever goals they had. Ask any student thespian.

But beyond the individual accolades, Bright created a true “magnet” school of the arts at Castle. That became the model for numerous other specialized “academies,” giving the public school system a new dimension — and public school students more choices.

That’s quite a legacy.