Former Teacher Battling Cancer Draws Inspiration From Former Students

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI)-A former north Mississippi school teacher has recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Peggy Conwill taught in the Monroe County School District for two decades, and was diagnosed with a salivary gland cancer in February.

“She’s got salivary gland carcinoma, and it’s stage four,” said Casey Conwill, daughter and former student of Peggy Conwill.  “It’s not curable, but they can treat it to perhaps to prolong her life for a few months.”

During this difficult time, some of her former students decided to come together and support her as she battles the disease, and they did so by throwing her a surprise party.

“I was so excited because of her reaction, she deserves all of this,” said Sandra Worthington, a former student and basketball player for Conwill.

“I started crying too, it was just very emotional for me,” said Casey Conwill.

“I just know I taught down there for a long time, and I love everyone one of them,” said Peggy Conwill.

Conwill taught social studies at Becker Elementary School, and was also a basketball and cheerleading coach.

“If you get into education, if you don’t love them, then you can’t teach them, and It’s all about the love between the teacher and the student that determines how well the student comes out,” said Peggy Conwill.

Former students said Conwill always pushed them to do their best, and it was her tough and disciplined style of teaching and coaching, that made her unique.

“She instilled in me to never give up, and that’s a message that still applies to this day,” said Worthington.

“Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t mind paddling my students, I knew it was better for their well wishes than mine,” said Peggy Conwill.
Wanting to see her students thrive is something Conwill has always wanted, now her students want the same from her.

Conwill said her prognosis isn’t good, and the former teacher has been feeling low since she was diagnosed.

However Sunday’s surprise has Conwill back smiling again.

“It makes you forget about the pain that you have to go through,” she said.

Conwill said that pain is a little easier to bear, knowing she has love and support from her former students guiding her along the way.

“It’s just amazing to see the she’s had a a part in so many people’s lives,” said Casey Conwill.
Conwill retired from teaching in 1992.

Several of her students have followed in her footsteps to become teachers, including her own daughter.

They all credit Mrs. Conwill for their motivation.