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Pocono News Section
Senator Remembered at Prayer Service
Senator Remembered at Prayer Service - Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 1:52PM EST
Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2008 @ 01:52pm EST
MAHANOY CITY, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY- Hundreds of people showed up at the Mahanoy Area High School Wednesday morning for a special "prayer at the pole." It honored State Senator James Rhoades, who was killed in a car accident Friday night.
Rhoades, a Schuylkill County native, was a teacher, coach, and principal in the Mahanoy Area School District until he was elected to the state senate in 1980.
But those at the service who knew him best, say he never lost his passion for education. "I think one reason he got into politics and became a senator was to provide a voice for students and for children," said Mike Rhoades, the senator's eldest son. "And this prayer service was very, very fitting for he and my mother."
"He was a well-respected man, the students looked up to him. There are teachers here now that he coached, that he taught, and everyone respects him for the work he's done in education," added Lisa Broomell, a fourth grade teacher in the district, who Senator Rhoades taught years ago.
"He took this treasure of life that God had given him, and he put it to work," said Fred Crawford, a retired minister with the Christ Lutheran Church in Mahanoy City, "in the schools where he taught and coached, in the community and this town that he loved, and in that state senate where he so faithfully served."
Students read poems, staff offered prayers, and doves were released -- all in memory of Senator Rhoades. "This was very fitting for sure," said his son, Mike. "Because next to his children, my dad loved Mahonoy Area and loved education and loved the students."
Senator Rhoades' wife, Mary Edith, was also injured in Friday night's crash but is recovering this week. Senator Rhoades will be laid to rest on Saturday.
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