Ah, February, the month of romance. Love is in the air with last-minute Fino reservations and trips to Walgreens for flowers and chocolate! In the whirlwind of chaos and urgency, other relationships can be easily forgotten—ones that are perhaps equally important as those we have with other people. So, to remind ourselves that we should be appreciative of the other loves of our lives this month, here are five faculty romances that deserve a shoutout this Valentine’s Day.
Mr. Taylor and his cot
For our first relationship highlight, we have Mr. Taylor and the cot that sits in his office. The cot is a steading presence for Mr. Taylor, it “takes away that tetchy, snarky edge that can creep in after classes.” All of Mr. Taylor’s classes should thank that cot for ensuring he comes to class with a happy attitude, his patience restored from a quick power nap. I think all of us, faculty and students, should aspire to a relationship like this one!
Mr. Parente and his trophy
If you were alive and breathing this fall, you know that Boys Varsity Soccer team won the New England Championship. Of course, everyone was extremely excitedand proud of the team and their accomplishments. However, no one was as excited as Coach Parente. The trophy the team earned became an emotional support object for Mr. Parente. As you can see, the trophy and coach tend to cuddle. They have a very happy relationship with plenty of awesome memories that they reminisce about constantly! Don’t tell Mrs. Parente though!
Mr. Werrell and Miss Otis
These star-crossed lovers met in January of 2017. Mr. Werrell’s landlord had a strict no-dog policy, but that was not enough to stop the connection immediately formed when Mr. Werrell, “saw a picture of a little puppy with a black eye, a black ear, and a little potbelly.” He decided at that moment that “There wasn’t a rule in the world that mattered as much as that little dog.” So, eight years later, this couple is still going strong! If this isn’t a strong sign that you should take a risk this Valentine’s Day, I don’t know what is!
Mr. Becker and his standing desk
Now, this couple has a mysterious background. Mr. Becker uses a standing desk—we all know this, whether from sneaking a glance into his office, or sneaking into his office to steal candy. But, many people do not know why he has an aversion to seated desks and the story of how he met this office staple. Mr. Becker got the desk during COVID, and five years later, they are still going strong! Like a good partner, the desk keeps him active and on his feet, and ensures that he is, “ready at a moment’s notice if something jumps out of the bushes to get [him].” Who doesn’t love a significant other that keeps you on your toes?!
Mr. LaCasse and the Corner Near the Duty Office
This relationship is less about the physical bond between Mr. LaCasse and the corner, and more about what the tradition of greeting the community with a smile every day means to people. There is not a single person on campus who has not heard a signature LaCasse “Hey you two” while rounding the Duty Office corner. We all strengthen their relationship every time we smile or say “hi” to them every morning. On a serious note, the duo is quite wholesome. Mr. LaCasse engages in it because “students who are greeted as they enter school or a classroom are much more positively engaged in the educational endeavor.” How sweet–in a way, we are the reason he swiped right on the corner!
