Otty Norwood, beloved teacher, returns to Saint John
Teacher and principal at Beaconsfield Middle School in the 1950s returns to Saint John after roughly 60 years
When 90-year-old Otty Norwood, a former teacher and principal, arrived at the Beaconsfield Middle School reunion in Lancaster Legion Hall on Tuesday, not only was he fashionably late, but he entered with a formal address.
"I've done a lot in my life ... When I look back over that career, the best years that I've had — and they [Norwood's family] will vouch for this — were my years at Beaconsfield."
The crowd erupted in applause.
It's been more than 60 years since Norwood has been in Saint John.
He was a teacher and principal at Beaconsfield Middle School in the 1940s and 1950s before he left and became a superintendent of schools in New York state.
Despite being away for so long, former students were excited to welcome him back.
It was a homecoming doubling as a school reunion, where around 40 guests reminisced over class photos and shared snacks and coffee with old friends — some whom they hadn't seen in decades.
Teachers come and go in your life, but this guy, you never forget.- Gordon MacKay, former student
The hot topic was Norwood and several of his former students remembered him vividly.
"He's just someone we'd never forget," said Gordon MacKay who was Norwood's student in Grade 8.
"He wouldn't tolerate failures. If we failed, he failed. Teachers come and go in your life, but this guy, you never forget."
In addition to teaching and being a school principal, Norwood said he has taught at the graduate level, has been a school superintendent and has been the president of an international testing company.
He is now retired and back in the city to celebrate his 90th birthday with his family.
Despite an extensive career, Norwood said the Saint John middle school constantly has him looking back.
"They [years teaching at Beaconsfield] were the happiest days in my life," he said.
"There are events in my life that have been very interesting and exciting [but] I'll always remember this. It's so good to come back here and talk with kids I've taught a long, long, long time ago."