A portrait of a former Reynolds Elementary School teacher, who died several years ago of colon cancer, was unveiled to school directors Wednesday night by the artist.

It took a bit of time for Joel Davis, senior, to finish the large pencil drawing of the late Wendy Woods.

"Hopefully it will be symbolic to the kids over there," he said after pulling the white paper away from the framed picture. "You can't take life for granted. One day things may be going good teaching, then the next you have cancer."

Mrs. Woods was a Hermitage resident who taught fourth grade at Reynolds Elementary School for 23 years. She passed away Sept. 2, 2000, at the age of 46. Born in Pittsburgh, Mrs. Woods was a 1972 alumnus of Moon Township High School and graduated from Slippery Rock University with an elementary education degree.

She was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church, Hermitage, where she served as a deacon and elder, sang in the choir and participated in the Christian Endeavor youth group.

"She was one of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet, a fabulous person. She's missed by all," said Sue L. Combine, board secretary.

The school board was surprised with the portrait and had no idea Davis had been working on it, she added.

She is survived by her husband Mark Woods, whom she married June 18, 1983, and two daughters, Jaclyn and Christina.

When high school art teacher Debbie DeMaria was approached about having one of her students do a portrait of Mrs. Woods, she said she immediately thought of Joel.

"He's been working hard to surprise the elementary school," she said.

Joel spent time before school working on it, pressing to finish it for this school year. The portrait will be hung in the elementary school's library nook, now known as Wendy Woods Memorial Nook. The words "In Memory of Wendy Woods" appear below the portrait.

"Excuse me if I appear choked up," board president Jeffrey A. Colson said after the unveiling. "She did wonderful things for my kids."

Several board members offered comments on Mrs. Woods and Joel's drawing. "I want to compliment you, Joel, on doing a wonderful job. I think you've really captured her essence," Maddox B. Stokes, vice president, said.

Superintendent Anthony S. Trosan said Mrs. Woods was a "very much appreciated" staff member at the elementary school who will be remembered for a long time.

Joel and several other Reynolds students recently placed in the Valley Arts Guild art competition.