Lawrence called a mentor
By Karen Mann JOURNAL CORRESPONDENT

Jeff Lawrence participated in the Memorial Day Parade in Ashburnham this year with his grandchildren (l. to r.) Michaela, Sean, Connor, Ben and Zack.

In the past 37 years, Jeff Lawrence has served as a mentor, a coach, a teacher, an advisor, even a second father. And to some, he has been all of the above.

"I've known him as a teacher, a coach, even a father figure at times," said history teacher Lincoln Stiles, Jr. "Now, being a teacher, it is as a mentor."

Lawrence has been a close family friend of the Stiles family for years; his son and Stiles grew up together.

"When I was eight or nine years old, he was having a birthday party for his son, Scott. We were over there eating hot dogs, Scott's traditional birthday dinner, and Jeff was in shock and awe and surprise at how many hot dogs 8 year olds can eat. He had to send his wife to the store for more hot dogs," recalled Stiles.

This story, according to Stiles, shows that Lawrence is a family man as well and enjoys activities like that with his friends and family.

"Outside of school, he is easy going and easy to talk to, which is what makes him an outstanding person," said Stiles.

Lawrence has brought this strong sense of family into his career at Oakmont Regional High School as well.

"He was always there for students. The biggest thing he brings to Oakmont is the family type atmosphere," said Stiles. "It is like his extended family."

"Jeff 's goal every day at Oakmont is for everyone, especially the students, to have a good day," said Assistant Principal David Uminski.

Dean of Students Brian Sargent believes Lawrence always handled students with consistency, which was something he tried to impress upon his colleagues and the students. He also said whether it was dealing with a senior prank gone awry, or a difficult situation with a person, Lawrence was always solid and stayed graceful under pressure.

"The biggest word that comes to mind is respect. Students respect him," said Sargent.

One of Lawrence's previous roles was as dean of students, so Sargent used Lawrence as a mentor to look at.

"I can always go to him if I have a question or need to bounce something off of him," said Sargent.

He is not the only one who considers Lawrence to be a mentor.

"Jeff has been a great mentor to me, not only as an administrator, but also as a teacher. Nearly everyday we sit at the end of the school day to discuss the events of the day and assess how each situation was handled," said Uminski.

According to Stiles, Lawrence has taken the time and effort to keep his staff happy.

"As a teacher, he has been very supportive of me, and other staff, making sure we are comfortable in our environment," said Stiles. "It is important as an administrator to make sure your staff is happy and competent."

Lawrence knows what it is like to be a teacher, having taught in the science department at Oakmont.

During this time, he also was active in the extracurricular activities at the school.

As head coach of the girls' basketball team, he brought them to a state title win. As coach of the first boys' soccer team at the school, he brought them to a district championship.

Now, as an administrator, he is supportive of athletics, going to many of the games, said Athletic Director Dave LaRoche.

"He argues athletics in education, as part of the whole educational process. Not all administrators feel that way," said LaRoche. "From my end, he is a great guy to deal with."

While teaching, he was also advisor to the student council. William Waight, principal at Oakmont from 1987 to 2005, said it was one of the most active and productive student councils in the state at that time.

Waight was responsible for promoting Lawrence to become dean of students, then assistant principal.

"He was bright, hardworking, he did an excellent job as an administrator," said Waight.

"He was a big help when we renovated the high school."

Waight remembers the positive attitude Lawrence had during the renovation project, even through long meetings night after night.

"He always knew things would work out," said Waight.

Besides getting a physical boost, Waight believes Oakmont continues to become stronger academically as well. He said in his four decades there, Lawrence has been a part of the success of the school.

"He has put in 37 years of loyal service," said LaRoche.

"He truly leads the green. Oakmont is going to miss him an awful lot," said Sargent.

"The biggest word that comes to mind is respect.

Students respect him."

- BRIAN SARGEANT OAKMONT DEAN OF STUDENTS