Photo provided by author
Suffield native Larry Tavino, Teacher iof the Year in Hilton Head Prep, was pictured in a school promotional shot with Ella Tomita, one of the eighth grade students.
Only yesterday, 37 years ago, Larry Tavino graduated from Suffield High School in 1980. A gentleman, athlete and scholar then, he was officially honored as such in 2002 when he was inducted into the first Suffield Athletic Hall of Fame.
In 2017 Tavino has now, for the second time, been elected Teacher of the Year of the middle school at Hilton Head Preparatory School in Hilton Head, S. C. He returned to teach at HH Prep after having taught and coached soccer, math, science and health there and at Heritage Academy and Hilton Head High School.
Larry graduated from Winthrop University in 1984 with a degree in mathematics and sociology and in 1985 with a Master’s Degree in physical education. He was nominated as a Rhodes Scholar after being chosen the Winthrop soccer team’s MVP in 1984 and winning Academic All- American and College All- American soccer honors.
Having previously received Master Teacher recognition and Rotary Teacher of the Year honors and having served as chairman of both Math and Physical Education Departments and as Athletic Director, Athletic League President and Honor Council Representative, Larry is in his element now that he’s back in the classroom.
His students begin each math period singing their own composition, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Day!”
Ella Tomita, one of his students, has said, “Mr. Tavino pushes us to become the great young adults that he knows we can be. He has taught us not only math but life skills that can be applied to our daily routines – such as grit and perseverance. I hope that someday I will be able to inspire others as much as Mr. Tavino has inspired me.”