My old algebra teacher got arrested two days ago for having a supposed year long relationship with a 13 year old student at my school. His bond was set at a million dollars and he could face up to 99 years in prison. Mr. Garcia was my teacher last year. He would yell at us when we wouldn't pay attention, he would laugh when we would crack jokes, and he would do the robot, but only with some provacation. He would take me to baseball practice, he would tell me about his years in the Navy, and he would guess how long the relationships at our school would last. We would confide in him, complain to him, talk to him. We love him, as a teacher and as a friend. No one knows if he will be guilty or not, but the people at my school were hit hard. We never expected this from him. Not from Mr. G. We feel betrayed, hurt, and most of us are in disbelief. As much as we hate this crime, we cannot stop loving our teacher because regardless of what he allegedly did with our classmate, he was still a good teacher. The thing about my school that most people don't know, is that we're a family. When our principal, told us about this, several students, including myself started crying. He even teared up. We don't want to believe that the man who was always there for us could do something like this. We don't want his name to only be associated with this. When we hear, "Mr. Garcia," I want to remember his goofy smile and his funny laugh. I want to remember playing basketball with him, spending time with him. He was a great friend, and the people at my school will always remember him for that. People who have read the article online call him a pedophile regardless of whether he is guilty or not. But i plead with them to call him a father, a brother, a teacher, or a friend until then. Because unless he is guilty, he is still every one of those things. I feel his bond is just ridiculous and the sentencing too high. He is a teacher for christ's sake. A damn good one at that. I worry that the court system is taking advantage of the situation and trying to make an example out of him. Like i said, as much as i hate the crime, I still love him as a teacher. But if he is guilty i will be so disappointed in him and will feel completely betrayed.

yea i agree tht was intense. I see tht you guys realy loved tht guy so i also think that he should be remembered as a father, brother, teacher, and a friend. At least untill hes proven guilty. Cause thts wat america is all about Inoccent until proven guilty

Wow that's intense. I can understand why u would want to stand by him until he is actually proven guilty. he seems like he may just be a very nice guy who somehow came off the wrong way. I hope it all works out ok.