NEWSMAKER: Longtime teacher has new career, a message for all ages

Kris Sherman; The News Tribune

A children's storybook with roots at Artondale Elementary School is on its way to becoming a Hollywood film, and teacher-turned author-turned actor-turned-screenwriter Carol Olsen is at the helm.

Olsen, a 56-year-old dynamo who retired from teaching last year after 33 years, has child actors ready to play the parts in the movie version of "Left-Over Louie."

Now she's lining up the money and the equipment to make it happen.

In the meantime, she's embarked on another career: actress.

Olsen was an extra in the Jennifer Lopez movie "Enough," which was filmed in Gig Harbor in the summer of 2001. Since then, she's appeared in "A Guy Thing" with Julia Styles and in a Taco Time commercial filmed aboard a Washington state ferry.

After years of teaching in the Peninsula School District, the longtime Gig Harbor resident moved to the Federal Way school system a few years ago to head its Internet Academy before retiring. Her husband, Bob Dick, is a Gig Harbor city councilman.

Here are some facts about Olsen and her book:

What's "Left-Over Louie" about? "Louie was based on one of my students, a gifted child with an IQ of about 165, but who was learning disabled. The story is about an old World War I veteran who shares his stories with Louie, and helps Louie by mentoring him and just becoming a friend. And Louie, in the process, is learning to read."

Where did you find the inspiration for Louie? "He's based on one of my students, who is now about 25. And what is amazing to me is that the story is still very, very relevant to kids."

Can you explain how? "Louie wears a World War I French battle helmet to school, digs up antique bottles in his back yard and brings a pet slug on a leash to school. He's very different from the other kids. Eventually, the other students learn to value his differences."

What are your hobbies? Gardening, sailing and substitute teaching. "What I like especially about the Federal Way School District is the cultural diversity."

What's your last book read? "A Beautiful Mind."

What's the best advice you can give to the students of today? "Believe in yourself and take every opportunity that comes your way."

Kris Sherman: 253-597-8659
kris.sherman@mail.tribnet.com

(Published 12:30AM, October 30th, 2002)