We all, or most of us, know Mr.Lepetit- the story, the myth, the legend. French teacher for all grades of the middle school, and even some of the high school, many see him in class, while others may see him roaming the halls with coffee cup in hand.
His story is an interesting one to tell, filled with stories worth telling for ages to come. I interviewed him recently, asking a few questions, simple ones really, about his life (this is a biographical styled article anyway).
So Mr. Lepetit, what brought you to work here at NSMS?
” Well, in France, I started to attend school to become a teacher. I could not finish my studies, because I needed to go to the army. When I came out, I traveled the world, then settled in the US with my wife, later going back into my studies to become a French teacher.”
How did it feel to be retired and get called back into work?
” You know what? North Shore has been really good to me- it allowed me to raise my kids and live the way I am- and when they called me back, I felt like it was a way to give back to them.”
How… How are your horses?
” Well, I’m going to start a life in the country, and I will be very busy for years to come. My horses are good though, thank you for asking.”
How did you find traveling the world?
“Well, I think at the time it fulfilled my need to see other countries and landscapes- ways of life. And that need was fulfilled, as I met many new people, and now I don’t have that need (probably why I didn’t have a midlife crisis), hahaha.”
What do you think about your students?
“When you are a teacher, you have to set students the way they are- you must remember that you are not their parents, you are their teacher. You must always find a way to teach students, no matter who they are.”
As the school year comes to a close, it is certain that Mr. Lepetit is retiring, for good this time. Many of his students will miss him, whether they’ve just met him this year or had him throughout middle school or even a little in the high school. The legend of Mr. Lepetit will live on for years to come, and his story will remain in the school’s halls for ages.
Thank you, Mr. Lepetit, for everything that you have done for our classes and for the school! We appreciate you, and we hope you have a wonderful retirement, for realsies this time. No take backs.
