Not everyone leaves high school in a cap and gown! This year, Choir Director Mr. Thomas Nami will be retiring from his position at G. Ray Bodley. Currently, Mr. Nami directs the GRB Treble Choir and Concert Choir, and also teaches two classes of Music Theory. Mr. Nami also holds the position of Quirk's Players Music Director.

Senior Rebecca Bailey, member of Quirk's Players, said, "Mr. Nami is very important to me. He is always encouraging and I admire his commitment to students' success. His hard work and dedication often goes unnoticed as he goes above and beyond staying at school late everyday to work with students to improve musically. In my four years at GRB, Mr. Nami has always been completely selfless and I will always appreciate all the memories made in room 104."

Mr. Nami first began playing piano at age eleven. His favorite musicals that he has performed in include Chicago, Anything Goes, and The Music Man. Mr. Nami aspired to become a music educator to offer opportunities to students that he was not offered and to share his love of music.

Mr. Nami attended Onondaga Community College before transferring to the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York, where he received a Bachelor of Music. He then furthered his education at The College of Saint Rose where he received a Master of Science in Education.

Starting his position at G. Ray Bodley in 1995, Mr. Nami has devoted 25 years of his life to the students of GRB. He inspires his students and through music he teaches them determination and confidence. Mr. Nami pushes his students, not for perfection but personal growth and improvement.

Junior Anthony Lucas, member of Concert Choir, said, "Mr. Nami is a name that will leave a positive mark on this school. He leads students on amazing paths and supports all students from the music department. Personally, Mr. Nami has given me so much support and for that I will forever be grateful for him and all the effort he puts into his job."

Mr. Nami is not only an inspiration for his students, but he is also admired by his colleagues for his hard work and dedication. Mr. Nami explained that he spends so much of his free, unpaid time at work because “if a student works hard and gives me 100%, then I will give them 100% in return because I want to see students succeed.”

Mr. Nami stated that his favorite part of teaching is the relationships he builds with students and staff. He loves being able to "joke around" with his students and "hates having to reprimand" them, but often has to when they are on their phones.

This year's performance of The Music Man concludes Mr. Nami's journey with GRB's Quirk's Players. He was honored before every performance to celebrate his 25 years of service. Ex-President of NYSSMA (and Mr. Nami's college roommate) attended the opening night of the show and presented Mr. Nami with an award on behalf of NYSSMA. Fulton mayor Deana Michaels also presented him with an award for his dedication to the community. Other notable guests included Stephanie Almeter (head of the Fulton Music Department), a representative for Senator Patty Richie, Steve Chirello, and two representatives from the Board of Education.

Principal Mrs. Parkhurst said, "I have great respect for Mr. Nami and truly enjoy watching him lead on the stage. His dedication to music and performance, as well as to students, families, our school, and district is admirable. Mr. Nami builds strong relationships with students and this shows when they perform on the stage. Students have great enthusiasm and they perform at high levels. The countless hours Mr. Nami dedicates to so many groups speaks to his dedication. We wish him well as he enters retirement. He will be missed."

After his retirement, he is unsure of what exactly he will do, but he said he will likely be spending lots of extra time with his spouse and his cats.

Congratulations and thank you, Mr. Nami!