Retiring teacher Steve Estelle, wearing his cowardly lion costume, took time to say goodbye to students on his last day of teachings. Shown here he’s speaking with Trent Larson. (Photo submitted)
HUNTINGTON – Seventh grade students at Gateway Regional Jr. High School spent a bittersweet final hour of school on Wednesday, January 29, as they bid farewell to retiring history teacher Steve Estelle.
Students gave testimony, acted out skits and performed a song in Estelle’s honor, before yielding the floor to remarks from the guest of honor.
A theme repeated among student remarks was Mr. Estelle’s habit of making history come alive by telling stories., “If you need to understand history, you need to understand Mesopotamia,” said one student, in a much-appreciated testimony. “And to understand Mesopotamia, you need to understand my fence post.”
Students also held a mock fashion show, which reflected Estelle’s habit of wearing comfortable shoes, khakis and polo shirts, and game-day attire (either “Gator” shirts or dress clothes) for days of girls’ soccer games.
Students also described the impact that Estelle’s classes had on them. “Instead of seeing a mummy as an artifact, I came to see it as a person who was important to their region,” said a 7th grader.
The Jr. High’s “Blue and Gold Committee”—a student service organization—had taken the time to rewrite the lyrics of one of Estelle’s favorite songs: “Springstein”, written by Eric Church. The song was performed by the entire grade—staff and guests included—much to Estelle’s surprise.
During part of the tribute, Estelle left the room briefly, only to return in a “Cowardly Lion” costume, with a sign reading ‘Stay Calm and Have Courage’.
When it was his turn to speak, Estelle said, “The really important thing about school is to find something in your life that you are good at, that you are passionate about, that you like doing. And pursue that as your life’s ambition.”
More than a few tears were shed during the hour-long celebration, which included refreshments provided by Gateway’s food services staff. Estelle also took the occasion to formally hand over his classroom and students to Mr. Keith Boylan. Like Estelle, Boylan is also a Gateway graduate and, as a 7th grader, Boylan attended Estelle’s history classes.
“This was a fantastic tribute,” Estelle said in thanking his students and colleagues. “All of you were wonderful.”
Former students and staff are invited to a retirement party in Estelle’s honor on Friday, February 28 at Shaker Farms Country Club. Advanced ticket sales are $25 per person and include dinner and gift. Tickets are available in the Gateway Central Office.
It was fitting that the tribute song by students ended with, “Funny how a melody sounds like a memory, like the soundtrack to a 7th grade history sage.”
