As the year comes to a close, we start our goodbyes– friendly “see you next year!” farewells to staff, tearful hugs for friends, half-waves to people we pretend to like but secretly think are annoying… but there’s one group of Analy associates whose goodbyes mean the most– retiring teachers. This year we have a large handful of beloved staff who won’t be waking up at 6:30 on the 17th of August, 2016; included are Joe Compagno, cranial chemistry correspondent; Bob Cullinen, hilarious historian; Laurie Fadave, English-teacher extraordinaire; Bonnie Thomas, Algebra aficionado; and David Vice, Mustachioed Spanish Slinger. Last week, I interviewed the one and only Mr. Compagno, to find out a little more about the man behind the (sticker-covered) desk.

Q. What were your favorite and least favorite subjects in school?
A. I did well in math and science, and not so well in the other ones.
Q. What is your favorite funny Analy memory with Mr. Goldberg?
A. He embarrassed me at a faculty meeting. Someone was talking about how we’ve shared this building for a long time, 35 years, and Mr. Goldberg said, “Me and Mr. Compagno are like this [crosses middle finger over pointer finger],” and then he said, “This is me [points to the finger on top].” [Laughter]
Q. What are you planning to do with your time after retiring?
A. That’s a good question. I have to make sure I have plenty to do, and make sure that whatever it is I do I feel like I have a purpose. It’s not clear to me yet– I have a number of projects lined up, but I’m not much of a traveler, so it’s going to be a challenge.
Q. What is your favorite/least favorite chemical compound?
A. Favorite chemical compound. I have one that I like because of its name: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Wait, did I say that right? Least favorite: hydrogen sulfide. It’s really stinky.
Q. Why did you decide to become a teacher?
A. I did some teaching in the Navy. I was assigned to tutor electronic students in the evenings, and I really enjoyed it. And I thought, “Maybe this is what I want to do.”
Q. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A. Oh, pizza! My favorite is sausage and olive.
Q. Where’s your favorite pizza place?
A. Interestingly enough, Round Table is where we get our pizza, but my first pizza was from Mary’s Pizza Shack in Boise Springs, which was their only store at the time.
Q. What’s the secret behind your magical ability to quiet a classroom?
A. A strong voice, and not hesitating to make it much louder if I need to. Respect for my students, and I think that gets returned to me. So, if they respect me and my voice is loud enough to be heard, I’m usually ok.
Q. What’s your favorite song/ favorite artist?
A. Pink Floyd, “Wish You Were Here.” Paul Simon, lots of his songs that I like. Sheryl Crow.
Q. Who’s your celebrity crush?
A. Celebrity crush? Still have a crush on Sheryl Crow. And Olivia Wilde. Mmm. She’s beautiful.
Q. What is one piece of advice you have for the next chemistry teacher to be employed here at Analy?
A. Have fun.