Recently in testimonials

First and foremost a big War Eagle!!!  I hope all is well. Congratulations on running for state representative.  I wish you the best of luck!!!  If anyone deserves to represent Alabama it should be you.  You thought me a great quote when I was younger; "The are three types of people in this world.  Ones that make things happen, ones that watch things happen, and ones who wonder what happened. 

You have always been a top great leader and a go getter.  You have the drive and the motivation to accomplish anything in this world.  I had the best dad in the world, but so like many others you were my second father.  A person who helped me develop from a growing boy into a successful man.  You thought me how to dress for success, walk tall and be proud, how to relate to other people, but most of all how to never give up on anything you want to achieve. 

I played college baseball, got a BA in forensics, commissioned into the Army, a Federal CID Special Agent, A York rite and Scottish rite Freemason, A Shriner, Made the All Army fight team out of 11,383 on Ft. Riley, won several Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments, and 2-0 as an amateur fighter.  Many of these feats would have only been a dream without the basis and growing knowledge you have given me.  My greatest memory will be the boy on the football field who caught the winning touchdown pass at the Green hand ceremony. 

Mr. Whaley, I am just a very small percent of the lives you have touched and developed.  Again I will never be able to thank you for all you have done for me or my family.  Through the years you have not just been a mentor, but one of my best friends.  Again thank you and I commend you on running for state and will always have my support.  When you win I will be one of the first in line to shake you hand and congratulate you.  Until then take care of yourself.

I have known Ricky Whaley for over twenty-five years. Fifteen of those years we worked together at Jacksonville High School. Ricky is a dedicated teacher who takes pride in helping all students in his classes. He exhibits a professional demeanor, his integrity is unquestionable, his family values are evident in everything he does, and he will analyze any issue before making any decision.

I want a representative for district 40 who will listen to our concerns, help solve problems we face in our district, and who will represent us with dignity. I will proudly cast my vote for Ricky Whaley as my Representative for District 40.

Mr. Whaley, 

As a member of our nation's armed forces, I know the value of great leadership and hard work. And that certainly describes Ricky Whaley. He has been an instrumental role model for high school students for well over 20 years. Ricky is the type of individual that almost every student looks up to for inspiration and personal growth. He builds student character while helping them achieve their dreams and aspirations.

I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Ricky for the success and inspiration he has instilled in my own life. Under him, I was able to complete high school, attend college on a full-ride scholarship, and earn a commission as an Army Officer. He knows what success is and what it take to get there! Support Ricky Whaley for State Representative!

Few people have made a positive impact in my life as much as Mr. Whaley. For nine years as both my teacher and mentor, he has shown me the value of commitment, respect, and hard work. He'll have my vote because I know he represents the values that he teaches.

I am so very proud of my husband for his interest and willingness to serve in the Alabama State Legislature.  Ricky is a Conservative Democrat who believes that all people are important and deserve to have an ethical representative who will be a champion for the interests of the people of District 40. 

Ricky has held various leadership positions and made countless, invaluable contacts throughout his career that will be an asset to him as your state representative.  His appointments not only have allowed him the opportunity to fight for the fair and equitable treatment of teachers, support staff, and city employees, but also for the students whose lives he has so tirelessly and diligently influenced over a 25 year teaching career.

These positions have allowed Ricky to exercise wisdom, foresight, executive ability, and negotiating skills that prove he is a quite capable leader.  Ricky is intelligent, organized, articulate, dependable, enthusiastic, and determined. He is indeed a Southern gentleman of strong character and integrity- all traits befitting a leader. It is these qualities which will destine him to be an effective leader in Montgomery. 

All Ricky's life he has been a caring person for his family and for the people less fortunate than he is. He always had a good relationship with his daddy and me and his sister Donna. He has always been very good to us. His Daddy stayed at UAB hospital for over four months and he was there a big part of that time with his daddy and me. 

He always went to church and lived a Christian life. He never gave us any trouble. He always obeyed his parents. I think he is the "best" son anyone could have. He has always loved politics, even in high school he was always for offices. He has always liked to help people!

Mr. Whaley,

We, as teachers, know that a good program doesn't just happen. So I want you to know that I appreciate the extra work and dedication that you are putting into the educational process of my son. For it is people like you who make good impressions on our young children. The steps to shape and mold their character which, in turn, helps make them become better citizens.

To the American teacher awards selection committee:

It's a pleasure to recommend John R. Whaley. Mr. Whaley is an influential member of the community he regularly converses with elected officials to improve education. He presents programs on a variety of subjects on the state and local level. He is an excellent public speaker with outstanding public relations skills. He firmly believes in promoting education on  every
available opportunity. He writes articles, solicits television coverage, and sends newsworthy advance in pictures the local newspapers to recognize outstanding students.

Dear Rick,

The Anniston morning Rotary Club wishes to thank you for your inspiring remarks at our breakfast meeting last Friday. Your talk about the importance of supporting our youth was one of the best the organization has ever heard. Please accept my personal thanks for both your speech and for your positive energy. With dedicated role models and teachers like yourself, it's no wonder the school system in Jacksonville has such a good reputation.

Ricky,

God grants each of us talents and gifts. Many of us know what our gifts are and some of us even use them. But these days it is uncommon to find someone who actually uses his gifts not for himself but for the benefit of others - as you have done with your gift of teaching. I know that our boys are forever made better by the experience of being taught by someone who is pure of heart. To witness this is truly a thing of beauty and I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to express my gratitude.

Dear Ricky,

Thank you so much for your friendship and for your dedication to my
re-election campaign. You can't lose when you have Ricky in the Doc behind
you. Judy and I will always be indebted to you. Please call us anytime we
can be of assistance.

Dear Ricky,

What a great place to live! Where your child can run out of gas in the middle of the night and fill the freedom to knock on teacher's door (no doubt waking him up) and have the confidence to know he will be allowed to use a phone call home. But instead his teacher gives him gas and then follows him to the gas station to make sure he's covered. Thank you for treating our son like you would your own. We are so grateful.

Dear Mr. Whaley,

Thank you so much for  your kind remarks about James at the Exchange Club. My boys are so very fortunate to have you as their teacher. We are indeed grateful for all that you do to help them grow as individuals.

Hi Mr. Whaley,

You're a wonderful teacher and person. I have heard from my parents that you are still doing a good job with students at Jacksonville High School. I'll always remember you and our classes. Again thank you and may God continue to bless you, your family, and Jacksonville High School.

Mr. Whaley,

You probably remember me. I was the FFA president for you back in 1993. The values you instilled in us back in those days are with me even today. You taught us life lessons that we can apply in the real world today. Your dedication to teaching teenagers the values that the FFA stresses should be commended.

Mr. Whaley,

Thank you for the time and energy you have given us. Thank you even more leadership. The psalmist said:  "Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will walk and not become weary." Thank you for helping to shape our lives in teaching us to mount up with wings like eagles.

Mr. Whaley,

I look up to you, and consider you one of my many role models. You've always been my favorite teacher (but don't tell any of the other teachers that.) You taught me so many things. I hope when I grow up, I'll have the same positive impact you have on people.

Mr. Whaley and Missies,

I really appreciate the nice Bible you gave me. That something I can use my whole life.  Also thank you for the good example you've always been for me. Thank you for being there for me.