Canton School District Honors Retirees Gary Gula, Steve Messier

Since 1986, Steve Messier has been a fixture at Canton high school, teaching physics, biology, chemistry and more, often carrying several AP courses at once. This year will be his last.

“Students love Steve,” principal Gary Gula said at a recent staff recognition event for Canton Public Schools. “Whether it be at the Spirit Week Talent Show or Mr. CHS, whenever there is a top 10 list of favorite teachers at CHS, Steve’s name always makes the list — sometimes 2 or 3 times for the same list. In his low-key manner, he demonstrates a genuine concern for each of his students.”

Gula also spoke of Messier’s interests which include poetry, rare book and outdoor activities. He hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide and journeyed cross-country by bicycle, Gula said.  

At the recent staff Appreciation Reception, the school district honored Messier and of course the retiring Gula, who has worked in Canton since 1995. 

Superintendent Kevin Case said Gula has developed international relationships, added courses, raised the bar for regular and AP classes, oversaw a major expansion project and more.

"Under your leadership, our high school has won many awards and accolades," Case said. 

(Patch ran a brief feature upon Gula's retirement announcement and is working on a longer piece). 

Also recognized were many long-time staff members. Here is the complete list:

The Retirement of:
Gary Gula
Steve Messier  

In Recognition of Thirty-Five Years of Service
Joseph Scheideler  

In Recognition of Thirty Years of Service:
Loreen Forastiere
William Phelps  

In Recognition of Twenty-Five Years of Service:
Pamela Keagan
Cora Mutch  

In Recognition of Twenty Years of Service:
Mary Bangs  

In Recognition of Fifteen Years of Service:
Patrick Allen
Leslie Bahre
Charles Batan
Arthur Conant
Lorene Chellgren
Denise Dauria
Beth Dropick
Linda Hill
Susan McDonald