Tears Mark Emotional Parsippany Hills Choir Concert

Tears of joy and sadness were shed by chorus members, music staff, alumni and even attending residents at the conclusion of a very emotional Parsippany Hills High School choir concert held on Wednesday, May 22.

Before the high school choir members were able to take their final bow, Central Middle School Choir Teacher Adam Aguanno stole the spotlight to introduce a special surprise for retiring high school choir teacher Linda Clark.

Clark has taught at Parsippany Hills on and off since 1973 and has touched the lives of each and every student she has taught over the years.

Clark was astounded as choir alumni filed onto the stage, one by one in a seemingly endless parade of beaming smiles and a few tears. More than 100 of Clark's former students filled the stage to sing a special tribute to their admired teacher.

“It was a total surprise, I'm moved to tears,” said Clark at the conclusion of the special performance. “It's all about the students. They have given back to me tonight hopefully as much as I've given back to them.”

Recent high school graduates, members of graduating classes of the early 2,000's and even Nancy Rindone, who had Clark as a teacher in 1988, traveled long distances to attend their beloved teacher's final performance.

“It did not matter where I was or what I was doing,” said 2004 graduate Jeff Tormey. “We would not miss it.”

Aguanno, also an alumnus of Clark's chorus class, said he had been brewing the idea for the surprise alumni concert for months and posted his idea on Facebook.

“It lit up overnight on Facebook,” he said. “It was so exciting and overwhelming, but expected because of the kind of teacher she is.”