Today, November 11th, Principal Tony Pavia announced his retirement. He is in his fifteenth year as a principal, and is in his ninth year here. In an email addressed to faculty, he wrote, “I have given this school the very best I have to offer and not unlike an aging athlete, I have decided that it is best to leave while the spring is still in my step.”
At 8:13, Mr. Pavia sent an email to seniors informing them of his decision.
Students reacted quickly to the news.
“That’s my father and my family, the school will never be the same without him here,” senior Fanise Soljour said. “He’s had such a major impact on the student body, teachers, the lunch ladies; it’s everybody. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how well you know him, he makes you feel like you’re best friends. I’ve never met anyone like Mr. Pavia. I never will again. People like him are one in a million, they’re very rare to find.”
“After getting the email I almost started crying,” senior Cassidy Dumbauld said. “He is one of the best people to walk through this school. He has worked so hard to make it a good experience for the students. We are lucky to have gone through all four years with him and I feel bad for the freshman who only got to be with him one year.”
“I can’t imagine someone in place of him,” senior PJ Larson said. “He’s a good friend of my relatives, and he encourages my passion and my chaos for building NCHS to be the best it can be. I can’t imagine who else could fuel student ambition and strike forward to make NCHS a better place.”
“The first day I came to school, he was at the front of school welcoming everybody,” junior Farah Martin said. “I feel like everyone here is attached to him and he is a part of the school. At the (new student) orientation, I talked to him and he made me feel welcomed.”
“You always see him in the hallway; he’s the face of NCHS,” senior Brant Hoffman said. “He’s a big part of the accessibility to the administration because he’s such an approachable character.”
“I had a feeling that he was going to retire after this year, but I didn’t want to believe it,” senior Kimmy Glerum said. “Graduation is going to be twice as special this year.”
“It seems really unexpected, NCHS without Mr. Pavia – it just seems weird,” junior Daisy Bishop said. “He’s always been so supportive of every student whether they’re doing a play or sport. One time I was just walking into school and he said, ‘Hey, you did a great job in that play.’ That made me feel like he saw me as an individual instead of another student.”
Dolly Meckler, Student Coalition President of the class of 2010, said, “I have to start by saying that I wouldn’t be half the person I am today if it weren’t for Mr. Pavia. He provided me with countless opportunities that have opened so many doors for me. The amazing thing about Mr. Pavia is that he doesn’t see the bad in people, only the good. I’m truly honored to know him and to have worked with him throughout high school. We’re all so lucky to have had him in the NCPS system, and he will forever hold a precious spot in all our memories from our high school years.”
Hannah Herde, President of the Class of 2010, said,”he will be greatly missed. One thing I remember is his presence in the cafeteria at lunch and his ability to communicate with the students and to make it clear that he was there for the students.”
Andrew Leslie, class of 2010, said, “Mr. Pavia is an inspiration to all. He can make you feel as if you’re the only person in the world that matters, he has that kind of ability. I had the pleasure of going to the high school for four years while he was the principal. Mr. Pavia was there for me whenever I was having a bad day, or whenever I needed someone to talk to, or even just a person to say ‘Hey how are you doing today?’ He is the students’ principal. He listened to what the students had to say and made an effort to make the school a comfortable environment for everyone.”
NCHS parent Diane Sorcher, who was a student of Mr. Pavia’s 30 years ago and whose three children have all had Mr. Pavia as a principal, said, “He was one of the fun teachers back then who knew how to make a connection with the students. That was one of his strong talents and I will miss that and I know the students will. There’s really no one like him.When he first came here nine years ago, I hadn’t seen him in 30 years and he remembered my name. He’s amazing, I don’t even know how to describe it. He’s one of the most warm and giving people and I wish him the best. I can’t wait to see what he’ll do next.”
Faculty also gave their thoughts.
“Washington. Lincoln. Pavia. Arguably the single greatest people person with a genius in management,” Social Studies Department Chair Richard Webb said. “He understands that every single organization is made up of people, and his focus is relentlessly on the people. Before he ever asked anybody to do anything he did 98% of the work himself.”
“While I’m happy for Mr. Pavia and know that he feels that this is the right time in his life for this, I’m really sad and hope that we can find someone for the position like Mr. Pavia who understands and respects students and teachers and values people above numbers,” World Language Department Chair Lisa Arbues said.
“He has very special relationships with students and loves kids, and and has a very strong educational philosophy,” School Nurse Sue Cesareo said. “We’re going to miss him, but he’s been in education for a long time and has fabulous accomplishments, and he’s earned it.”
“I think it’s well deserved. After his years here and throughout Fairfield County, I hope he enjoys it,” Assistant Principal Larry Sullivan said. “He’s somebody who’s wholly dedicated to NCHS. Although I’ve only worked with him for three years, I’ve learned so much from him and will feel a personal loss from his retirement.”
“Mr. Pavia has to be the most outstanding principal I’ve ever known,” Director of the Afternoon Instructional Program and Social Studies teacher Douglas Farrenkopf said. ” He is a true leader because he recognizes the best in people. He doesn’t tell people how to do their jobs. He takes charge just by letting you know you can do something. A good leader empowers. He makes sure you have the right resources to achieve your job. He empowers the students, he empowers the faculty.”
“He has done so much for the atmosphere of this school,” Spanish teacher Diane Cornwell said. “Everyone feels valued and we’ll miss him hugely. He’s really tried to set in place programs that bring people together, and hopefully that culture will continue. We hope that we can hold on to what he’s done for us and build on it.”
“I was lucky enough to serve on the search committee to hire Mr. Pavia as the new principal nine years ago,” Director of the College & Career Center Sue Carroll said. “I’m saddened because I think he’s an original, one-of-a-kind connector to, about and for kids. I am fearful about who they possibly could get not to replace Mr. Pavia, but to be the next principal.”
“When I have a life question, ethically, he’s one of the first people I go to, and that’s saying a lot for a guy who’s essentially your boss. We’re really going to miss him,” Library Department Chair Michelle Luhtala said.
“It comes as a complete shock,when he has gone and built one of the best high schools in the country and just steps away, its a shock,” Head Football Coach Lou Marinelli said. “He has created an unbelievable atmosphere with both the students and the faculty. He will surely be missed.”
“What first impressed me about Tony was how hard it was for him to leave Stamford High,” President of Faculty Senate and Latin teacher David Harvey said. “He was devoted to their growth as people. I think the hallmark of his time here at NCHS has been that same zeal for the civilizing mission which is an integral part of a true education.”
“Tony Pavia is the heart of the school right now; the students and the faculty are the soul,” Social Studies teacher Marianne Cohen, who has known Mr. Pavia since 1996, said. “During his time here, he has helped guide our students and faculty. His genius is his ability to understand the community. He is the bridge between students, faculty and the community.”
“Of course I’m sad to see him move on, but I understand it’s time for him to take on other challenges,” Principal’s Secretary Sue Morabito said. “For me personally, I’ve learned a lot from him and will miss our day-to-day contact. It is great to be with someone who makes every day fun to come to work.”
Check back to nchscourant.com throughout the day for the developing story and speak out and comment on this post on your thoughts of the decision.
Photos by Maureen Dinnie
Dear Mr. Pavia,
What you have done for everyone is truly inspirational. Thank you for your time, dedication, love of learning and the fires you kindled and continue to kindle in each one of us. You’re amazing. I’ll always look back at my years at NCHS and remember the transformations my class went through under your watch and the watch of the phenomenal people you found to help lead us in our intellectual lives. I’m just sad my siblings won’t have you for four years!
Thank you.
Y.A.T.P.A.Y.A.A.
Hannah Herde
Mr. Pavia,
My fellow klutz… I cannot imagine NCHS without you! You will be truly missed. Not only were you a wonderful principal to our school, but also a friend to the entire student body. I am blessed to have had you as a role model all four years of high school, and I wish you the best.
Thank you for all the support and motivation you have given me and NCHS,
Kathryn Neuser ’10
Dear Mr. Pavia,
You’re one of my favorite high school memories and I can’t imagine NCHS without you. I don’t think there could ever be another principal like you, no one as dedicated and supportive. Thank you so much for your for making my high school experience so positive and for caring as much as you do. And thank you for bringing Ms. Steidl’s C period Sophomore English class cupcakes and tales of heroic goldfish. You’re one of the most inspirational and encouraging people I’ve had the gift of knowing and you will be very sorely missed. Congratulations on such a successful career and best of luck to you in the future.
Thank you,
Merahm Hamdan
Class of ’09