June 2001
The Director - Features
A Matter of Respect
This high-school essay dispelled student's stereotypes while conveying both the dignity and the importance of the embalmer's art
In this high-school essay, Tyler Pray dispels the Hollywood mortician stereotype and conveys the true dignity and importance of the embalming art. He insists that the process of embalming and the profession of the mortician are often misunderstood, and he encourages readers who do not know much of the profession to ask questions.
Joseph "Tyler" Pray, age 18, is the valedictorian of his senior class at Charlotte High School. He grew up helping out around the family funeral home, Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. He plans to attend college in the fall and study international business. He is also considering funeral service as a career choice.
