The Ted Sirois Memorial Scholarship

Ted Sirois was the quintessential students’ teacher. For many of us, Ted was an integral part of our final year at Skowhegan Area High School. Whether it be in the classroom for photography or physics, in the green section hallways, events or graduation, Ted was able to connect with us all. Demanding but fair. Sarcastic but kind. A jokester, but honest. Dry but exciting. Focused but enthusiastic. Crotchety but fun-loving. All attributes that the know-it-all and eager, but young and knuckleheaded seniors could recognize, respect, and relate to.
Ted was not only a students’ teacher but a teachers’ teacher. He was well-respected by his peers, which made him even more likable by his students. His perceived presence – of being a great guy, a hard worker, and a real positive energy in the school – could be easily taken for granted at the time as a student, but will forever be appreciated as a former student, or former peer, of former Teddy Sirois fan club member. While speaking with Ted’s former peers and teacher friends, it is even more clear that his perceived presence was his actual presence. A great guy, a hard worker, and a real positive energy in the school. But even more so, a friend.
We will miss Ted.
As a way to memorialize Ted’s positive impact on our lives, my wife, Amanda, and I (both students of Ted’s – photography and physics) have started the Ted Sirois Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will recognize graduating seniors from Skowhegan Area High School with a scholarship towards post-secondary study.
For Amanda and I, the memory of Ted – his character, his ability to engage, his jokes – will have a lasting impact on our lives. Albeit for only one year in high school, a mere blip of time in the larger scheme of life, Mr. Sirois was able to instill a lasting impression – work hard and have fun. We will forever smile when we think of him. I think he would like knowing that.
Amanda and I, along with my parents, Lou and Debbie Hight, appreciate your support of the scholarship fund and hope we can all help continue to preserve his legacy.
Sam Hight
Checks can be made to: The Ted Sirois Scholarship Fund, c/o Jane Bigelow, Skowhegan Area High School, 60 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

PHOTO: Ted Sirois