Seniors Get Preview
With Author DeWees
By Emily Brock and Melissa Cole

Two seniors at South Royalton High School had the opportunity to interview actor and comedian Rusty DeWees about the publication of his new book, "Scrawlins." From left are Emily Brock, DeWees, and Melissa Cole. (Provided / Mary Waterman)

Rusty DeWees, the actor and comedian known to most Vermonters as "The Logger," has published his first book. "Scrawlins" is a collection of columns written for the "Vermont Times."

Last week a group of South Royalton High School seniors received a personal preview of "Scrawlins," thanks to their English teacher, Susan Keefe. Keefe had taught DeWees in high school and recalled him as a "geeky, tall, everyday, red headed boy".

Her AP English students had the opportunity to listen to DeWees as he read short excerpts from his new book. Some of the excerpts showed the Logger that is familiar from stage performances, but others exposed Rusty in a way that none of his fans know.

His stories make you laugh, they make you think, and they make you want to hear more.

Speaking to the class, Rusty was Rusty. Not the Logger, not a Vermont icon, but Rusty DeWees.

The two of us, who were in the class, sat down with Mr. DeWees over a glass of Strafford chocolate milk, which is a love of Rusty’s that he shared with the students.

They talked with DeWees about high school, about future plans, and about life. For the seniors, it was just like passing the time with a friend. When the time came for the students to return to class, they felt a little sad leaving. It felt like they were talking to a man they had known all their life.

"Scrawlins" was self published by Rusty and will be at area bookstores. He also told us he will be having a show, as the Logger, in Claremont Nov. 2 and 3.