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In Memory

Sylvia Scanland (Teacher)

Sylvia Scanland (Teacher)

To teach is to touch a life forever

Born August 19, 1921, in Branston, Leicestershire, England, the only child of Samuel and Ivy Bellamy, Dr. Sylvia (Jane) Scandland, revered educator, died at home of a lingering cancer-related illness on July 31, 2001, surrounded by her treasured books.

She married Craig W. Scanland in 1965; he preceded her in death in 1994.

She is survived by her cousins, Rowena Baggaley and Douglas Hempshall, England; as well as other cousins in California.

Dr. Scanland earned a B.A. degree from the University of Manchester, M.A. (1965) and PhD (1970) degrees from the University of Utah. After teaching from 1945 to 1950 at Sydenham High School in London, Dr. Scanland moved to Utah where she taught for 30 years in the Salt Lake School District. She was a master teacher noted for her exacting standards, delightful wit, and extraordinary mind. She finalized her career at Highland High School where her teaching program included Advanced Placement English and Latin. Highland High students awarded her the first Golden Ram Teaching Award, and students still talk of Miss Bellamy/Dr. Scanland with gratitude. Members of the Zeta Chapter of Delta KappaGamma Society International, a society for key women educators, understand the depth of her accomplishments and dedication.

A world traveler, from Tonga, China, South America, Europe to Africa, she delighted her friends and students with unusual tales of adventure.

An Episcopalian prayer service was held at the time of her death. Following cremation, her ashes were returned to England.

In remembrance of Miss Bellamy/Dr. Scanland, read a book, contribute to a library program or to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.

 
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07/20/19 03:30 PM #1    

Fred Behle

After posting and reading Dr. Scanland's obituary I realize she loved teaching but I didn't appreciate it.  The quote at the top of her obituary sums it up.  I suffered through reading Les Miserables and we all called it "Less Miserable".  Maybe had I seen the movie/play I would have appreciated and understand it.  That story and music is one of my favorite now.


07/20/19 05:25 PM #2    

Steve Gallenson

Scanland was as much of a mind expanding experience of the 1960's as was any of the things we could explore. She was demanding, brilliant, funny and terrifying.

I only needed to pass her senior English class to graduate and it was my 7th period. There were many occasions when I skipped classes all day, but I had to be back for Sanland! She made a few aside comments to me like, "Mr. Gallenson are you wearing Gunisses Cologne" or "The must be a severe wind in the hallway because you seem to be having trouble keeping your course".

She and I made a great connection, she made me strive to rise to her standards and she encouraged me to think outside of the provincial discourse of the 801.

For many years Dr. Scanland dropped by our store to visit with me (she lived near downtown). We were friends and I was and still am in awe of her great mind.
(BTW Fred.. I loved Less Miserable and with Scanlands coaxing I went on to read tons of French Revolution Era literature... I didn't like the Broadway version at all)

07/21/19 02:46 PM #3    

Glenda Griggs (Leavitt)

A had a couple of friends a year ahead of me that “warned” me about Mrs. Scanland. I didn’t want to get her, but of course I did. She was an amazing teacher! She was a tough teacher so it made me study harder and enjoy the class more. Almost fifty years later if I see certain books I will instantly think of Mrs. Scanland and how great her class was. She certainly touched my life!

 


01/17/20 05:54 PM #4    

Larry Eggett

I didn't fully appreciate Mrs. Scanland as a teacher until after graduation. She referred to me as the "taciturn one," probably because I didn't make very many comments in class. But she had a tremendous influence on me and instilled in me a love for literature and reading.


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