WOODBURY — After a long run as a wellness teacher at Nonnewaug, beloved staff member Dave Green is stepping into retirement.

September is his last month as a teacher at Nonnewaug. Over the years, Green has guided wrestlers through their sports careers, and he’s been a memorable teacher and coach for generations of students.

Nonnewaug students somberly anticipate his leave, and staff prepare to welcome and adjust to the new team member set to fill his place.

“He’s kind of like the dad of the school,” new wellness teacher Kyle Tehan says. “I think he’s such a loved person within the community. He’s a coach, he’s a teacher, and everyone respects him so much.”

In addition to his enjoyable personality, Green also has a more serious down to earth side.

“He has a switch, I would call it,” Tehan continues. “You flip the switch and he’s funny and likes to joke around, but you flip the switch again and he gets like, hey, we gotta get down to business.”

Many students recognize Green for his kind nature and optimistic outlook.

“Mr. Green’s best trait is the fact that he’s super nice and always has a positive attitude,” says junior Madelyn Murphy. “I was supposed to have him again this year, but I now have his replacement, Mr. Tehan. Mr. Green is such a sweet guy and I’m going to miss him so much.”

In addition to teaching, many Nonnewaug students know Green as a coach and mentor of the wrestling team. Green will still coach wrestling this winter even after he retires from the classroom.

“He’s a really good coach,” sophomore wrestler Indy Kimball says. “He always finds ways to make us all feel included, he knows how to handle all situations in a positive manner, and he’s just a really good person.”

Green reflects back on his time at Nonnewaug and recalls some of his favorite memories. 

“I’m gonna miss being with the people and the students and meeting new people and learning things from them,” he says. “I have so many favorite memories from Nonnewaug, it’s so hard to narrow it down.” 

Green gives thought to the past years of his teaching career and avoids dwelling on the fact that retirement is near.

“Honestly, I try not to think about it,” Green continues. “I’ve just been trying to live in the moment. There have been so many great moments. I’ve been so lucky.”

Kimball discusses her favorite memories with Green and the rest of the wrestling team.

“My favorite memory about him,” Kimball says, “was the last day of wrestling practice when we were all messing around. He got out the big cardboard things you roll the mats out with and started [goofing around]. It was so funny. I’m gonna miss him so much.”

Tehan, who is replacing Green after his retirement, says he hasn’t known Green for very long, but it feels like they’ve known him forever. 

“That kind of shows the person that he is,” Tehan says. “He’s very relatable and very personable. He’s all about doing things the right way. He’s someone who I already really, really respect.”

Green leaves behind large shoes to fill for Tehan, however, he’s up for the challenge. 

“The first couple days of school, students would come up to him and say, ‘Mr. Green, you’re leaving?’ and he’d introduce me and say, ‘This is Mr. Tehan; he’s filling in for me,’ and I’d get a dirty look,” Tehan laughs. “I know it’s big shoes to fill, but it’s just because of the person he is.”

Green has optimism about his replacement and thinks he will carry the position strongly.

“Mr. Tehan is awesome,” Green says. “He’s gonna do great. I hope he enjoys his time here as much as I have. I hope he connects with people here as much as I have. He’s been fantastic.”

Although his retirement is a somber event for the Nonnewaug community, Green and the staff members try to keep a positive outlook on the situation. 

“I’m very appreciative of the time that he’s able to give to me and to teach me about the culture here,” Tehan says. “He’s a master teacher. He’s been teaching for so long and he’s a master with what he does, so I’m extremely grateful that this is the situation and I’m able to be in his position.”

“I hope the best for Nonnewaug,” Green says, “the school and the teachers and the students, and I hope they can have just as much enjoyment as I have.”