The December list will be the top 30 most memorable teachers/staff (see rules below), and tonight, we're remembering the last of the working couples that will be featured -- JOSEPH and RYNELL CELASCHI (seen here in their side-by-side yearbook pics, bonus link below to what seems to be their engagement announcement in the local paper from way back when).
Mr. taught social studies ... Mrs. taught English ... and both were vibrant and active and taking care of all of us whilst also raising a big brood at home (some of whom followed in their parents' footsteps into the education field). The other similarity? Neither one tolerated any smart back-talk from the students (Mr. in particularly, but that's a story for another time). I have to assume they are now at least retired as I have no idea how they'd handle kids nowadays with their advanced levels of smart-assery.
And, on a personal note, my memories are all of Mr., seeing as how I didn't actually have Mrs. for any of my classes. Mr. Celaschi, though, was close to one of my older sisters, and so he was fully aware of my family situation as it started to become a problem. Plus -- Mr. Celaschi will always be the answer to the question unique to my generation of "where were you when the space shuttle Challenge exploded", as we were in his class and he was quick to turn on the television so we could watch the coverage during that milestone event.
Here's to you, Mr. and Mrs. Celaschi!
RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST: Honorees must be one of the ninety individuals listed in the faculty pages of the '89 yearbook (which means two thirds of the list are already not going to be referenced). Honorees may also be selected from the photos of support staff as well (so long as they are on the surrounding pages of the same section). Honorees must be memorable (if there are no stories, then there will be no post about that person). Honorees are chosen and ranked by me (if you disagree, start your own list on your own blog). All memories are believed to be accurate (but are being told through the lens of thirty or more years, so ... you know.)
BONUS LINK TO WHAT I THINK IS THEIR ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT:
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/5315635/
NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/
