BARRY’S BAY – It was an emotional and bittersweet Arts Night when long time high school music teacher Mark Robbins officially announced on June 6 that it would be his last.
The evening started out with a tribute to the late Buster Brown, a legendary tap dancer who passed away earlier this year. One of his students, Emma Keller, performed a dance in his memory.
Afterwards, Arts Night continued as usual, with various vocal and instrumental performances throughout the evening. Grade 9 to 12 students highlighted how far they came throughout the year, as their proud families snapped pictures throughout the event.
But the mood changed near the end of the show, when the usually happy-go-lucky Robbins began reminiscing about the time he had spent at Madawaska Valley District High School.
He began paying tribute to his fellow educators like current arts teacher Jody Sernoskie, retired teacher Laura Anderson and retired teacher Bob Perkins, who helped Robbins start the annual Arts Nights.
“I loved working with him and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to highlight our student’s work with him,” he said.
Robbins came to the school in 1987 and took over the department from Kristin Marchand.
“I am always grateful for her friendship, her trust as she gave the responsibility of caring for the music program to me,” Robbins told the crowd.
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