Fri Mar 12 2010
by Amanda Harnocz
Reporter
Tallmadge -- "The projects and shows we did together made life better and happier for others and made us better people for having done it," said Frank Chaff IV, who directed his last performance at Tallmadge High School May 2.
Chaff, a high school drama teacher, is set to retire June 30 after 43 years with the district in various venues.
He got a surprise at the end of his last production May 2. About 100 students sang on stage as the audience and Chaff watched a dedication and remembrance side show and video put together by students after the "Once Upon a Mattress" musical.
"He was surprised by the tribute he received," said Mike Gray, whose daughter is involved with the district's drama programs.
Gray said the video and slide show can be viewed at www.youtube.com by searching "Chaff's Curtain Call" and "Chaff's Slide Show."
The first production in the new, yet to be named, auditorium at the new high school was almost a sell-out crowd with about 40 open seats, said Gray. The auditorium seats 630.
"We got the largest crowd so far [for a show]," he said. "Chaff knew something was going on, but was surprised by the magnitude and the effort from all of his friends."
Alumni in the community hope to get the auditorium named after Chaff, and they've started an effort to petition the Board of Education to do so.
Those who would like to sign the petition should visit Gray Mart, 14 S. Main St., Munroe Falls or call 330-388-2718.
"To have a facility as fantastic as the new auditorium named after me ... what an honor [that would be]," said Chaff, who noted he "was the first ever to student teach at Tallmadge from Akron University."
"It's time to move on," he said. "I'm not retiring from life ... just teaching everyday."
He added that he will continue directing shows with the district and "working with teenagers. The enthusiasm they have for life keeps me young."
With Chaff's daughter set to start college in the fall, he said he wants something "less demanding than 7:30 a.m. every morning."
He said he will miss the "interaction with the students without a doubt." But, although he may not be teaching next school year, expect more shows directed by Chaff in the future in the auditorium possibly named after him.
E-mail: aharnocz@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3911
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