Beloved teacher Mr. Looram has announced his retirement at the end of this school year. Often referred to as “Mr. River Dell,” his impact and legacy have had a tremendous effect on the students, staff, community, and the school as a whole.
Seeing through decades at River Dell, he took pride in watching the school grow with many more students and a larger community. He has seen countless renovations and improvements, including River Dell becoming one of the first schools in the state to introduce computers. He stated that “River Dell has always been at the forefront of technology, also bringing in new gadgets for the students.”
During his time at River Dell, Mr. Looram was not only a student and an athlete, but also the longest-serving teacher in River Dell history. He has taught physical education for a staggering 49 years and spent an additional four years as a student at River Dell. As an assistant coach, he worked with both the wrestling and football teams. In addition to these positions, he served as the ski club advisor for 25 years. He took students on a variety of memorable trips to Vermont and other locations in the Northeast, as well as out west to the mountains of Utah.
Even now, Mr. Looram still roams the halls, spouting off random tidbits of knowledge and wisdom to students. He shows up at seven a.m. with a smile on his face, ready to teach, highlighting his love for River Dell. He continues to be sharp as a knife, teaching 10th grade students driver’s ed with decades of experience behind the wheel. When he’s not teaching that class, he runs a tight ship in his physical education classes, keeping his students active and engaged. He’s no stranger to jokes either. He often uses his witty humor to further engage others during lessons and conversations, which has brightened the days of many throughout the years.
He also reflected on a time when he used to run physical education trips off campus. It included winter trips to ski mountains, which made physical education more unique. Come springtime, he led trips to rivers for whitewater rafting. He admitted to missing the trips, as he loved taking things out of the classroom. Many years removed from this, it is still one of his favorite teaching memories.
Senior Riley Magat reflected fondly on his time with Mr. Looram, stating, “he’s always had an interest in our lives and a passion for teaching; whether it was drivers ed or the wrestling team, he cares.” Riley’s thoughts were echoed by other seniors who had fond memories of the storied teacher. Most reflected on how loved he is as a teacher and how deeply he’ll be missed by the student body. Many students are shocked, with one student even saying, “he says he’s retiring every year.”
Mr. River Dell has admitted, “I loved my time here. There is no place like River Dell in their sportsmanship, grit, and kindness.” River Dell still embodies these traits, and his description still holds true.
Mr. Pepe, the principal at River Dell High School, has stated that Mr. Looram has “continued to form such amazing relationships with students, parents, and colleagues,” a testament to the care he had for all those around him. Mr. Van Saders, a fellow physical education teacher at River Dell, mentioned that he “learned a lot from him over the years,” adding that “he will leave a long-lasting impact on River Dell.”
He plans on enjoying his retirement by spending time with his “grandson and children,” adding that he wants to “take them skiing.” He mentioned plans to return to watch football and other games at home, as he still desires to support students and his coworkers.
When asked about the legacy and impact he had on River Dell, he remarked, “there is none.” Despite his humble attitude, his actions left a lasting impression on River Dell. His attitude was further reflected in his interview, as he tended to be honest and joke often. Although he downplayed his impact here, he takes a great sense of pride in his first job as a teacher over at Demarest, where in his three short years, the sports culture there improved for the better.
While Mr. Looram remains humble about his impact and legacy, it is clear he will be greatly missed by the high school. He is remembered fondly for all his work with the drivers ed and physical education program. Outside of all this, he was an amazing coach and advisor and, to everyone, a friend and someone to talk to. He will be deeply missed as a teacher, and River Dell is eternally thankful to have had him here.
