Some teachers can't help but make a lasting impression on their students' lives. Leland Sherwood is one of those people. To many, the name Leland Sherwood is synonomous with Peru State College.

The Chester, Nebraska native has left a lasting impression on countless young artists and his former students say he's much more than a master water colorist, Doc is an inspiration.

There's just nothing like an encouraging word from the 78-year-old. He has the uncanny ability to instruct and inspire at the same time. He started creating water color wonders as a Peru State freshman in 1950, and he's been doing it ever since. He started teaching at Peru State in 1963 and retired 30 years later. But he says, "Once I got away from it for awhile I realized I missed the kids." After a few years away from the classroom he came back to teach his first love, "Water colors they're kinda like magic, they just kinda drop together."

From his magical hand have come some amazing works of art but some of his greatest achievements have come from the lives he's touched. On the campus of a thousand oaks Sherwood's impact has been felt for nearly 60 years. To put it quite simply, political cartoonist Paul Fell says, "Leland Sherwood is Peru State." Another one of Doc's former students is 10/11 News graphic artist Heath Miller. Miller painted a 4 foot by 3 foot portrait for one of his favorite teachers, "I painted this for you. For all the inspiration that you've given me."

In Peru, they're calling it a "Sherwood Celebration" and it's taking place this coming Saturday on the Peru State campus. The event will include an auction of some of Doc's paintings and all of the proceeds will go to establishing an art scholarship in his honor and name.