Portsmouth’s LaShawn Merritt won a gold medal in the men’s 400-meter race at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing yesterday. Dan taught him in two classes - Earth Science and Experimental Design - when he was a student at Woodrow Wilson High School.

Way to go, LaShawn! We’re proud of you!

ETA: And today, Aug. 23, LaShawn added another gold medal to his collection, winning the 1,600-meter relay, along with the rest of the men’s team. Congratulations to you all!