Early in the spring of the year 2011, a former student discovered Mr. Gil Hunt, teacher and coach at Manchester High School, alive and well in the sunny state of Florida. This news was surprising and exciting since the last time we had contact with him was the spring of 1954 through 1957, depending on our graduating year. That would be 57 years ago, and our average age is now 75 years.

The good news quickly spread, and a collection of thoughts was gathered. It is obvious that each one holds Mr. Hunt in high regard. Hopefully, these comments will make him feel very happy and proud of what he achieved over his years of teaching.

Unfortunately, most of us think about the people in our past who have had influence on our present lives and our day-to-day interactions with others without expressing them - a human frailty. It pleases us to be able to share these thoughts so others can appreciate the legacy he has left behind.

Hi Mr. Hunt:  Still can't call you Gil.

Do you remember writing on the board about 1951 or 52?

"Scintillate, scintillate globule vivific;
Fain would I fathom thy nature specific,
Loftily poised in yon ether capacious
Faintly resembling a gem carbonaceous."  

It has never left my memory Mr. Hunt.  It's indelibly imprinted.

So nice to hear that you are enjoying Florida.  Best wishes to you. 
Mary Lou Costello '54.



Mr. Hunt, Greetings from Bill Bayer, 54'..

Hope all is well with you. The picture looks pretty good.



Mr. Hunt:

I don't recall having you for any classes, but I do remember you when I was on the track team.  I thought the punching bag photo was a nice touch.  Good exercise and a great stress reliever. 

Enjoy good health, warm weather and sunshine.
Ron Schack ‘54.



Dear Mr. Hunt, It’s good to hear that you are alive and kicking in Florida. Regards to you and I think you are looking great, you must be doing something right.

Best wishes, John Avery – Class of 1954



Hi Gil,

It was so very nice to see your pleasant face and remember you as one of my favorite teachers! 

You made our class a lot of fun and you could tell you loved your subject, because you made us enjoy the class and we learned more because of your enthusiasm.

You were entertaining, inspiring, a wonderful teacher and mentor. 

Hope you are enjoying your retirement...Hope to see you again, possibly at the next Florida/Manchester reunion???

Thank you for being an important part of many lives....
Anna Bareisa Miller, Class of 1954  



Hi Gil,
Wow, you look just like I remember you in 1954.  

Just kidding – I hope all is well and enjoying life in Florida.  After this winter Florida is looking better and better.

Stay well,
Bill Fortin



Hi, Mr. Hunt,

Perhaps you will remember me because I was one of your "apple polisher," "teacher's pet" students, or so people said. My fondest memory of your class was when we had to practice public speaking by telling a joke standing in front of the class, and I couldn't do it because my joke was so amusing to me that I couldn't get through it without laughing hilariously!! That was probably the only "bad" mark I got in your class.

I do recall that you were an excellent, caring and fair teacher.

It's so nice to be able to see you looking so well.

Sincerely,
Sandra Taggart Finnegan Jenkins, Class of 1954



Mr. Hunt, you were the only teacher who inspired me at dear old MHS.  The rest seemed to only go through the motions.

One of my banks asks a security question when signing on to their web site.  It is, “what was the last name of your favorite teacher in high school” My answer, Hunt.

After 55+ years I still think kindly of you.
Pete LaFlamme, Class of 1955



Gil, What a feat, your 10^th decade. From the picture of you and Art Shorts, you’re looking great (not quite the same haircut that I remember). 

What wonderful memories you must have.  When you think of the many lives that you have touched and influenced in so many ways - how rewarding.  There were a lot of us at MHS that were guided by your touch.  At the time though we probably didn’t realize how fortunate we were, but we certainly do now and we thank you.

From a favorite Irish blessing: ”... may the wind be always at your back, the sun shine warm upon your face....”

Continue to stay the course and enjoy the breeze and the sunshine.
Bill Ritchie ‘54



Dear Mr. Hunt,

I can still remember my English class, I think in my sophomore year.  We read “A Tale of Two Cities."  You made the book come alive, as you did with all our other “projects”, with you enthusiasm and energy.  It was a wonderful year of learning for me.  Glad to hear that you are doing so great!

Thank you,
JoAnne Kerrigan Ritchie, ‘57



Dear Mr. Hunt.  Not sure if you remember me but I certainly remember you. Looking back, it was great to be in your class.  You encouraged me to read more and I am forever in your debt for the inspiration.   Hope your life has been as good as a mere mortal's could be.

I must also confess to being in the crowd that lifted that classic Crosley and put it on the front steps of the Franklin building!  Hope there's no hard feelings.

Frank Bausola, Class of 1955



I think it's a great idea.  I always fondly remember his class and his encouragement to expand your reading tastes.  I also remember giving oral book reports that sure built my ability to BS in front of a lot of people!

Eleanor Seelert, Class of 1955



Best wishes to you Mr. Hunt. You look great in that photo with Art Shorts. You couldn’t have been much older than we were back then.

Crin Robert, Class of 1955



You would think that when I’d reached 73 years of age I would feel at ease calling you Gil, ... you would think.

My relationship with you began with the cross-country and track teams where you and “Pete” Wigren were our coaches. Pete Close and Bob Vinton were our outstanding performers. I have fond memories of pulling pranks with your tiny Crosley automobile and enjoying your pleasant personality. What else would I expect from a Harvard man?

I remain in close contact with Jane Wigren Johnson, Pete’s daughter also living in Florida. Both you and Mr. Wigren were a positive influence on us.

Warmest regards, Dick Jenkins, Class of 1955



Hello Mr. Hunt, it certainly was nice to see your picture with Art Shorts, you look a lot better than Art. 

This is Jack Risley, and when you lived on Chater Oak Street I used to fish in the "rickety brook behind your house," and you always told me to leave a few in the brook for you.  The years have moved right along, and now all your old students are old men and women, but with many wonderful memories thanks to great teachers and friends like yourself.

Thank you for all your help and guidance.  
Jack Risley, Class of 1955



Dear Gil,
It is so good to hear that you are well and in Florida.

Wife Lynn and I live in Tequesta (FL) during late fall, winter and spring. I've just learned that you are about 4 hours from here so that will probably prevent us from just dropping over (are you thinking "Thank Heavens"?) HA HA.

Like many others here I also have very fond memories of you and your wonderful class. Glad you continue to be such a good role model.

All the best to you
Alan Wabrek, Class of 1955