By Mike Farricielli, Kyle Givner and EJ Madera
Physical Education Teacher Savas Synodi is retiring at the end of April after a nearly 40-year teaching career.
He is going to miss his teaching career but he’s looking forward to retirement, he said. Synodi has loved teaching at Branford High School and impacting the lives of students. He’s been at BHS for 34 years and his last day will be at the end of this month.
“I love when some of my students really get into a sport and have fun,” he said. “I think gym class can sometimes be a way for kids to get to know each other better and just, be kids.”
Synodi went to Central Connecticut State University unsure of what his major would be.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in college or my future,” Synodi said. “I told myself to follow my passion which was athletics and then proceeded to become a gym teacher.”
Synodi’s plans for retirement are going to be to continue his pool cleaning business. He ran this business while he was a teacher in the summer but now it’s just going to be a way of making some side money.
Synodi, known for his sense of humor and easy going manner, has been teaching for a long portion of his life. “I even failed Mrs.Stackpole as a student!” Synodi joked.
He said he had many great moments as a teacher.
“Something I’ll remember most is definitely seeing the smiles on my student’s faces. That’s why I have been doing this for so long,” Synodi said.
In addition to teaching, Synodi was also a longtime co-athletic director with Jake Palluzzi until 2020. He also coached several sports, including football and wrestling.
As he thinks about retirement, Synodi has some advice for his students: “ When you’re trying to find what you want to do in college, Yes you could do something to make you money but if you are, make sure you enjoy it.
“Because if you don’t you’re going to be miserable,” he said. “Make sure you follow your passion.”
What’s your favorite memory of Mr. Synodi? Let us know in the comments.
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Our Superintendent did a wonderful job here, as he was happy to say at a recent BOF meeting that Mr. Synodi’s recent demotion “saved the town money”. As we lose yet another experienced and highly credible leader from our district, I guess we should all be very proud for the so-called money savings that Mr. Hernandez couldn’t articulate at the same meeting where he was patting himself on the back for the change he made at the start of the pandemic.
I absolutely adored this man while I was at BHS over 10 years ago. He was funny, kind, and sharp as a tack. I hope Mr. Synodi has a wonderful retirement! It’s well deserved!!