One of the most loved English teachers at Staples, Dr. Gerald Kuroghlian is set to retire after a 42-year teaching career this June.

Kuroghlian’s departure will result in a huge loss for the English department.

“We will miss him terribly,” said Lis Comm, the English department head. “He is Mr. Staples English department.”

A part of the National, Connecticut, and New England Council of Teachers of English, Kuroghlian has greatly contributed to the English department. According to Comm, Kuroghlian brings the English department the latest trends and research in ways to teach the English curriculum.

Attaining his doctoral degree was an important step in developing his teaching skills as it also allowed for more opportunities for Kuroghlian to help the school. As he says, the doctoral degree showed him how to make relationships between the text and real life. He is stimulating in the classroom, as he makes the English curriculum come alive to his students.

“He was so enthusiastic about what he was teaching and was so clearly thrilled to be doing what he does,” said Anne Hardy, a student of Kuroghlian’s during the 70s.

Also known for connecting with students on a personal level, Kuroghlian is frequently seen at musical concerts, Staples Players productions, sports games, awards ceremonies, and graduation.

“He is involved in so many ways,” said Dan Woog. “He is a superb teacher, an ardent supporter of everything from the arts to athletics to the most random and obscure club.”

Kuroghlian’s enjoyment of extracurricular activities is the due to his keen interest in watching students celebrate their successes. He loves seeing students succeed in his “four A’s”; academics, athletics, aesthetics, and activities.

“He cares about student’s successes in life and I think that is really wonderful,” said Hardy. “That is something that I can say about him 30 years ago and that I can say now.”

Kuroghlian also cares for the people around him, both current and former students, the faculty, as well as the Westport community. Kuroghlian has affected those around him by fulfilling the roles of a friend, mentor or counselor.

“He went to more weddings, confirmations, graduation parties and funerals than anyone I know,” said Woog. “That to me shows his impact on thousands of people in millions of ways over 42 years.”

Once he is retired, Kuroghlian plans to go on an Odyssey themed trip, where he will follow the path of Odysseus as told in “The Odyssey.” Kuroghlian had wanted to go on this trip for his entire life.

“I want to still be young enough to run away from Scylla and Charybdis,” said Kuroghlian. “Now is the time to do it before I am too old to do it.”

In addition, Kuroghlian plans to work in Bridgeport at the Mercy Learning Center where he will help adults get their high school equivalency diplomas.

Kuroghlian’s time at Staples has, in his words, “sparkled like a gem.” Many of his colleagues and students agree that he has been a vital aspect of Staples for many years. He will be remembered as a great teacher, one who is helpful to students and faculty in addition to, as Kuroghlian puts it, “making [Staples] one family.”

“Everybody loved him,” said Hardy. “Every [student] at Staples wanted to have him as a teacher.”