Retiring teachers Tiro and LaVigne honored by colleagues

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:59:18 GMT

Staff photographer
Bob Tiro and Jenny LaVigne share a laugh as they reflect on how teaching in Chelsea has shaped their lives.

After the last exam was finished and students had left the building for the summer, teachers and staff gathered in the staff lunch room to honor retiring colleagues Bob Tiro and Jenny LaVigne with a surprise party. Bob Tiro has worked tirelessly as a history teacher in Chelsea for 44 years. He has worn many hats, including coach of the freshmen boys’ basketball team when Principal Mullaney was a freshman on the team. “It’s been a wild ride,” said an emotional Tiro as the significance that his long service to Chelsea students was ending overwhelmed him. Jenny LaVigne was similarly overcome with emotion after 16 years of teaching here. “I cried on my first day at Chelsea High School so its appropriate that I’m crying on my last day,” she said. Colleagues were teary-eyed as well. Principal Mullaney presented both LaVigne and Tiro with personally inscribed beautiful Chelsea Clock mantelpiece clocks. “You know, when I graduated from Chelsea High, I went to work for Chelsea Clocks,” said Tiro, “and I couldn’t figure out who would want one.” After 44 years, Bob Tiro finally has the answer.

The Devils' Advocate

Retiring teachers Tiro and LaVigne honored by colleagues