It took John Moroz retiring twice, for it to finally stick.
The beloved longtime Oak Forest High School teacher walked the stage for his 50th and final time May 16—his last graduation ceremony.
Moroz began as a math teacher at the high school in 1973, its third year in existence. He retired (for the first time) in 2006, but couldn't stay away long. He would return as a math tutor the next school year, continuing his contributions for nearly 20 more years.
It was an emotional ceremony Tuesday, said Joliet native Moroz.
"Of course I had tears, but I hope they didn’t see too many," he told Patch. "A bittersweet moment."
Moroz—who everyone affectionately calls "Skip"—announced his departure from the school in a letter earlier this month, thanking staff and students for the role they've played in his career. Married to his wife Judy for almost 60 years, the two did not have any children, but those he crossed paths with became his family, of sorts.
"Thanks to all past and present students who trusted me and gave me their support," he wrote. "YOU are the reason I’ve stayed at OFHS for 50 years. I love teaching math to 'my kids.'"
Word of mouth brought him to the school originally. He graduated from Notre Dame with a master's degree in 1973, and a classmate who preceded him in working at the school told him they'd need more teachers soon. Having some prior experience as a teacher at all-girl Catholic school St. Francis Academy—now coed Joliet Catholic Academy—Moroz became a Bengal, his first "stint" lasting 33 years.
At the time he first retired, he was 62 years old, but Moroz felt maybe he wasn't quite done yet.
"'I still got a lot left in the tank,'" he remembered thinking. "I loved being with the kids, loved teaching the kids."
He came back as a math tutor, stationed at a table outside the cafeteria near the special education suite. As his business grew, it swelled into the hallway, and he needed more space. He was moved several more times before landing in a more permanent space at the school, alongside other tutors, for math and other subjects.
Moroz's guidance was supplemental to the students' classwork, but deeply appreciated—by both students and teachers, he said.
"The math department always made me feel like I was part of the department, not just a tutor," he told Patch. "The department has kind of been my family.
"Oak Forest High School has been my second family for forever."
Moroz was recognized for his half-century of contribution to the school during the graduation ceremony. The school's chorale group performed for him a song he had written and composed honoring the school, first sung by Moroz at his first retirement in 2006.
"This time, they sang it to him at graduation, as he is retiring this year," said Bremen District 228 Public Relations Specialist Yasmeen Sheikah. "He sang along and teared up—multiple people teared up—during the process. It was beautiful to see."
Though his second time stepping away from the school, he knows it won't be easy to close this chapter.
"Fifty long, beautiful years," he said. "Been a long, fun time at Oak Forest, I can’t imagine not going there.
"My family—my OF family—forever. I can’t stop cold turkey, they’re part of my heart."
As time has passed, he's even found himself tutoring children of some of his earlier students, a full-circle moment. He always felt supported by parents, he said, and laughed as he recalled one "complaint" he occasionally received.
"'My kids really love you,'" he remembers parents saying, "but why did you get in their heads they should go to Notre Dame?!"
The school's last day for the year is May 26—just a few more days of waking up early to go to his second home.
"I’ve been going to school either learning or teaching since 1949," Moroz said. "In August, I can’t imagine ... 'why am I laying in bed, why aren’t I going to school?'"
With his retirement now officially official, Moroz looks forward to more time with his wife.
"I've got a 56-year 'Honey-do List' waiting for me," he said, chuckling. "The 'Honey-do' list is pretty long."
Posted Thu, May 18, 2023, in the OF Patch