From Greg Merriam

I had just transferred from Mundelein, Illinois for my senior year at CHS.  I was a little apprehensive to take a Speech class with you, Mr. Kushner.  I was scared to death to talk in public.  I thought everyone at CHS was smarter then I was (and for the most part, still do).  You sensed that and probably gave me more room then I deserved.  Anyway, I survived the class...actually had a great time.  Somehow you got me to play a small part in the Thanksgiving play/skit.  For the 35+ years I have had no trouble talking to audiences.  Many years ago I even addressed a group of 400 safety professionals at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.  I remember how you participated in and supported our class in other school functions.  In my one year at CHS it was easy to see that you were more than a classroom teacher.  For this I, along with the many others, thank you for being a positive influence and role model in our lives.