On March 1, chemistry teacher Nick Jabe sits at his desk peeling an orange, contemplating his upcoming retirement.

Being a 62-year-old chemistry enthusiast, Jabe believes that even though he is leaving, being a teacher at THS was one of his greatest experiences.

Starting at the beginning of his career, Jabe was a generic science teacher with several subjects under his belt. However, over time he was able to hone his chemistry skills and developed them into the curriculum he teaches today.

“Earlier on I taught Biology, GGBE and Earth Science, but now Chemistry,” Jabe said.

Having taught the subject for more than 15 years, Jabe has even picked up favorites when it comes to molecules and chemical reactions.

“My favorite molecule is water because of its bent structure and polarity,” Jabe said. “It expands when it freezes and dissolves things. As for my favorite chemical reaction it would be taste and smell because I enjoy eating.”

With his growing passion for chemistry, Jabe intrigued many students to develop a liking in the subject as well. Although the school had supported different science related competitions, such as science olympiads, there was no club that simply celebrated the interest in science.

“Students wanted a place to advance their knowledge in chemistry,” Jabe said. “I was not busy so why not?”

The chemistry club grew in popularity and gained a following that continues today. Jabe discovered the deep interest in the subject and helped them develop a wider view.

“When students are intrigued by the wonders of science, when they enjoy learning and discovering,it makes me happy. It is my favorite moment,” Jabe said.

One such student is senior Daniel Evans, who, two years later, still remembers some of the crazy experiments that were conducted with Jabe.

“The elevator explosion demo comes to mind,” Evans said. “He blew the can and ‘dropped’ a lighter to distract us as he triggered the explosion.”

In addition to teaching, Jabe was a reliable source with whom students could discuss problems in everyday school life.

“We would talk freely so he was like a mentor to me personally,” Evans said.

Although Jabe has enjoyed his time at THS, he is excited for his future with his grandkids.

“I have an old cottage up north where I go camping and now with 4 grandkids, those are the things I will be doing. It will be great to go camping when no one is in the campgrounds because all the students and teachers are at school so now I can vacation when it’s not crowded. So I’m looking forward to that,” Jabe said. “It has been a blessing to be here, a tremendous blessing and a privilege to (have) been here.”

With a future planned out, Jabe looks forward to the next following years.
However, many of his students, past and present, will be sad to see him move on.