By: EMC3 Staff

A lot of people were caught up in the excitement of the prom on Friday, May 20.  But there were many students and even Galway alumni at school Friday morning, trying to figure out how to say thank you and good bye to one of the most important teachers they have ever had.  Tage Frederiksen, Galway’s chemistry and physics teacher for the past seven years, has retired and will be sorely missed by the students and staff.

Galway alum Marisa LaFleur wrote, “Mr. Frederiksen is a Galway High School celebrity in many ways: He came out of retirement to save the day when we needed him, he’s made popular many catch phrases, he inspired a Facebook fan club, and he’s threatened several times to go back into retirement. And now he is. Though well-deserved, it is no secret that he will be sorely missed.”

Graduate Elizabeth DeLuca fondly remembers her time in Mr. Frederiksen’s class: “Although I may not be able to tell you how many protons are in a helium atom or what happens when a 5 pound bowling ball performs a free fall off a 54 foot roof, I will never forget the many things Mr. Frederiksen taught me.  Yeah, I now know how NOT to light a Bunsen burner, but I also know to Keep It Simple Stupid, live life with a sense of humor, never take myself too seriously, and realize that your best is all that anyone could ever ask of you.”

Amy Wheeler, another Galway graduate, had this to say about the retirement of Mr. Frederiksen, “Galway will be losing a chunk of its spark and character when Mr. Frederiksen makes his final departure out the front doors. Even though his retirement is much deserved after devoting so many years of his life to the education of countless students, it is not a welcomed event. However, the students who have been lucky enough to have him will keep the life lessons he taught us close to our hearts, long after we forget about moles and vectors. Mr. Frederiksen had the ability to not only keep me engaged in science, but also engaged in learning. His famous quotes run through my mind and I hear his voice encouraging (or scolding) me when I need it the most. His approach to life gave us all a new perspective and reminded us at a time when we needed it – ‘If it’s not lethal, it’s no big deal.’ The knowledge he gave us is hard to put into words, but I’ll be forever grateful that we were lucky enough to be taught by as dedicated and passionate an educator as he. The thought of walking into his room next year and not seeing him in his characteristic plaid shirt, Diet Coke in hand, ready with a smile and a sarcastic comment, brings tears to my eyes. He was always there to listen, reassure, motivate and advise. The students and faculty of Galway will be losing an amazing teacher, mentor, and friend, and his place will be impossible to fill.”

We will miss you Mr. Frederiksen. Thank you for all that you brought to Galway, and enjoy your retirement!