Remembering Amanda Sharp

If you could corner the market on hugs, your stock would rise sharply at any elementary school (or middle school) on the last day of classes.

Children who had been anxiously anticipating the arrival of days designated for swimming, sports and best of all, not having to get up early every morning suddenly realize they will not see many of their friends for the next three months and they will never again set foot in the classroom of a favorite teacher.

Don't tell anyone, but the last day of school is just as hard on the teachers.

"What a wonderfully sad last day of school," a third grade teacher at Stapleton Elementary, wrote on her Facebook page May 30, 2014. "Said goodbye to my kiddos as my girls with left with tears in their eyes."

She quickly noted that she did not enjoy seeing the children cry, just in case anyone somehow misinterpreted her words. "It does make a teacher feel loved when you can see what a connection you had with your students. (I) loved my kiddos, even on days when I questioned what in the world I was thinking for becoming a teacher."








There was never a doubt in the minds of any of her students or colleagues about the wisdom of Amanda Sharp's decision to tackle a profession, which though it can be difficult, is among the most rewarding.

The hugs Amanda Sharp received on the last day of school were also a tradition in her classroom and one which provided her comfort and strength as she battled the disease that claimed her life Friday at age 35.

Brad Douglas, who oversees Jet HD operations at Joplin High School, turned the spotlight on that battle on his much missed "Brad's Beat" feature November 18, 2016 when he worked as a reporter for KSN.

When Amanda Sharp walks into a classroom at Stapleton Elementary in Joplin, she gets mobbed with hugs.

"The kids give me hugs when I come in. I can't compare chemo to that," said Amanda Sharp, who is battling a rare heart cancer.

Amanda pointed out that the teachers, students and parents had been in her corner since day one. That was no surprise. It was easy to root for Amanda Sharp.

When her supporters combined their resources on fundraisers and shows of support for Amanda, they were simply showing the same can-do spirit she had shown, both at her school and her work in coaching East Middle School cheerleaders.

A prime example of what she was able to accomplish, with her fellow Stapleton teachers, students and parents, was the book drive they organized for the Moore, Oklahoma elementary school after it was destroyed by a tornado.

Not only were they successful in raising $2,500 for the school, but they delivered heartfelt notes and drawings for the children in that community.

As late as February 14, Amanda shared with her Facebook friends that she was going to beat the cancer.

The battle finally ended two days ago., when Amanda Sharp, a wife and mother of four, breathed her last.

Since word of her passing, those who knew her have shared memories, with Lori Kay Adamson State noting  on the Mason-Woodard Mortuary site that Amanda was the 'happiness' that lit up a room."

The cancer, as cruel and merciless as it was, will never be able to stop the positive influence she spread wherever she went or the infectious "happiness" Amanda brought to those who were fortunate enough to be in her classroom, her school or in her life, from living forever in their memories.

The final victory, as painful as it is now for those who knew and loved her, belongs to Amanda Sharp.

Amanda Sharp obituary

(KSNF photo)