Legendary NAHS Teacher Honored

School committee members, faculty and administration gathered at a teacher appreciation lunch at Wednesday to honor a local teaching legend.

Retired history teacher John Minihan was recently inducted into the North Andover Educators Hall of Fame.

"Our honoree today has probably seen over 10,000 students graduate, and that's quite a huge honor to have," School Committee Stan Limpert said.

Minihan spent 33 years as a teacher and History Department chair at the high school.

Selectman Rosemary Smedile reminisced about being in his class, talking about how he made history an adventurous experience that ignited intrigue in his students.

"We all fought to get into his class," Smedile said. "We loved his class. He really made history fun."

Minihan was nominated for the Hall of Fame by his friend, colleague and former student, Mary Gregoire, who gave an emotional, heartfelt speech in honor of him.

"He made each student feel valued and safe," Gregoire, now chair of the NAHS English Department said. "His enthusiasm for teaching, his sensitivity and his humanity shined through with every lesson."

Minihan has used his passion for teaching in far-off lands -- he taught children in the Philippines and Libya in the 1960s before starting at NAHS -- but North Andover High School has been his true home for decades. And his local colleagues echo that sentiment.

"Never critical, always understanding, John always brought out the best in his students," Gregoire said. "A constant friend, caring and insightful colleague and a true human being. No one deserves to be honored more than him."