Appreciation – John Mahoney

As one of John Mahoney’s former students, I wanted to submit a tribute him. It’s not enough to say that Mr. Mahoney was a wonderful, well-liked educator. Mr. Mahoney was so perfect for his chosen vocation. If he knew one of his students was struggling he would tell them, “You can do this,” and be very encouraging. Jack Mahoney made kids want to succeed.

Mr. Mahoney didn’t forget about his students after they left school. He became a mentor for many of them, including my son,who he drove to Boston to check out a college he was considering. A lot of people do jobs just for a paycheck. Jack Mahoney was not like that.

I will remember so many things about this wonderful teacher, including the poems he used to make up to recite to us seniors counting down to graduation day. He would make up a new one every day until we graduated. He was a teacher who made us think for ourselves but gave us the tools we needed to do well. We will miss you, Mr. Mahoney.

When I think of Housatonic Valley Regional High School, I will think of Mr. Mahoney as one of the best they ever had: R.I.P, Jack.

— Ellie (Lowell) OToole, Millerton