After years of teaching and mentoring students at school, Mr. Herrle retired in November. He left behind a lasting legacy with his impact on the students and faculty in Sewanhaka. Known for his playful yet encouraging personality, he became a memorable presence within the English department and the school community.
Fellow colleague and English Chairperson, Ms. Crimmins, say Mr. Herrle was someone who “always looked out for her” especially when she started at Sewanhaka. She described him as someone who “was always there to help anyone in need”. These qualities are what made him such a huge part of the English office. He was a teacher that found any way he could to support, whether for something big or small. This impact would be carried throughout the Sewanhaka community, with Ms. Crimmins recalling a time where he was “helping a student tie his tie” after he saw him roaming the hallways struggling without knowing the student at all; he just saw a moment to help, and so he did.
In addition to his support, he was overall just a great colleague to work with. Mr. Tsolekas, who had worked with him for 25 years, described him as a “very funny and down-to-earth person” who he “could always trust to be thoughtful and give good advice”. They had begun together in Queens, both working for the Department of Education, before coming to Sewanhaka together. As they transitioned together, Mr. Tsolekas regarded him as a “fun person to be around, so he made the atmosphere more lighthearted”. This lighthearted nature would shine in the classroom as well, with Mr. Tsolekas believing that students will remember him for the “calm and fun” he brought into his lessons.
However, he would really make an impact with students as the previous class advisor for the class of 2026. In a joint statement from the Class of 2026, they remember him as an amazing class advisor who was “continuously kind and thoughtful” to them. While being tremendously involved in the class, he was also involved in their personal lives. Treasurer Merina Paul recalls Mr. Herrle always making sure “to ask how my family and I were doing” as well as remembering the little things they told him. This goes to show how Mr. Herrle went above and beyond to help, guide, and encourage the students around him. In a word, the class of 2026 benefited greatly from his presence and misses him dearly. As will all students, who remember him as the teacher who always wore a smile.
As Maya Angelou once said, “Your legacy is what you do every day. Your legacy is every life you’ve touched”. Mr. Herrle will be remembered as a teacher, who made an impact on the Sewanhaka community with his selflessness. The memories and legacy he has left behind will continue to remain within the school community. We all wish him the best as he embarks on this next chapter.
