Farewell to Mr. Sherman:
Celebrating a Lifetime of Dedication

As John Jay bids farewell to the school year, we also say a heartfelt goodbye to a cherished member of our community: Mr. John Sherman, our dedicated gym teacher, and esteemed baseball coach. After countless years of inspiring students and fostering a love for fitness and sports, Mr. Sherman is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication.

From an early age, Mr. Sherman knew that sports and teaching were his calling. "I’ve enjoyed sports since high school; it’s something I’ve always enjoyed. I knew since 10th grade it’s something I wanted to do," he shared in a recent interview.

Mr. Sherman joined our school many years ago, and has since been a cornerstone of our physical education program. Known for his enthusiastic approach and commitment to student fitness, he has introduced countless innovative activities and fitness challenges. His dedication has not only promoted physical health but also taught students the importance of teamwork and perseverance.

Reflecting on his fondest memories, Mr. Sherman recounted, "When I first started teaching in elementary school, I worked with a guy who was more of a mentor than anything else. He just made the whole class atmosphere fun, constantly joking all the time, just made it enjoyable. Some sports-related things, like coaching an undefeated basketball team, coaching Division 1 college basketball for 7 years, and also when I was in Middletown being Section 9 champs. I’ve had bad seasons too, but those are the ones that stand out."

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring educators, Mr. Sherman emphasized the rewards of the profession. "It’s a wonderful career and teaching in New York is great. Retirement is something to look forward to, along with the pension, but it’s a lot more work than when I started. It’s a good career with lots of benefits and it’s not super strenuous."

As he steps into retirement, Mr. Sherman has exciting plans. "Well, my wife has a honey-do list about a mile long, but I want to be able to relax a little bit, do a lot of stuff around the house. We’re contemplating moving to Delaware, you know, enjoying the beach life."

Mr. Sherman leaves us with a final piece of wisdom: "Just how much I enjoy the camaraderie of the staff here and the other places I’ve worked. The most important thing is finding something you enjoy doing. Because if you’re not happy with what you’re doing, you’re probably going to have a miserable career, and I’m lucky enough to find a career where I've enjoyed everything I’ve been doing."

Though he will be dearly missed, the impact of Mr. Sherman will resonate for years to come. His contributions to John Jay have left an indelible mark on our community. We wish him a joyous and fulfilling retirement, filled with the happiness and relaxation he deserves. Thank you, Mr. Sherman, for everything. You will always be a cherished part of our John Jay family.