Alumnus Christopher Fray named Teacher of the Year
Kevin Simpson
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Features
Inspiring others to learn is not such an easy task, but for a teacher like Christopher Fray, it just comes naturally.
This past month, Fray, a 1996 Sacred Heart Alum, was named Westport's Teacher of the Year for 2008.
"I think it is an honor to know that a former student from our very own community is being acknowledged for his devotion to teaching," said Allison Coombs, senior.
"It says a lot, not only about the education program here at Sacred Heart, but about the types of people that Sacred Heart helps us develop into."
This award is given to those who have shown dedication, leadership and the superior ability to inspire others to learn.
"It's humbling because there were so many worthy candidates, but validating because it shows that I have chosen the right path," said Fray.
After graduating from Sacred Heart, Fray started out as a translator in Russia.
It wasn't until Fray started teaching Russian in Baltimore to help out a friend, that he realized his passion was to teach.
Soon after, Fray started to follow his calling and began his teaching career at Staples High School, where he continues to teach today.
"It's nice that someone from our school is recognized for being a great teacher and teaching so well," said sophomore Katherine Pompelio.
"For me, that's good to hear because I want to be a teacher."
Since his time spent as a translator in Russia, Fray has visited over 30 different countries sharing his knowledge and experience in the classroom.
As the instructor of Chinese at Staples, Fray also mentors two Chinese exchange students, helping them cope with cultural changes and is the advisor of the Gay/Straight Alliance club.
Fray comes back to Sacred Heart twice a year to lecture faculty on tolerance for the diversity of gay and lesbian students in the classroom.
With an impressive life and career already, he still has big plans for the future.
With goals of building the Chinese program while incorporating modern technology, Fray explains this importance by saying "it is the language of the future."
The award as Westport's teacher of the year has not slowed him down. With big plans for the future and many more minds to mold, Fray looks eagerly on his years of teaching to come.
This past month, Fray, a 1996 Sacred Heart Alum, was named Westport's Teacher of the Year for 2008.
"I think it is an honor to know that a former student from our very own community is being acknowledged for his devotion to teaching," said Allison Coombs, senior.
"It says a lot, not only about the education program here at Sacred Heart, but about the types of people that Sacred Heart helps us develop into."
This award is given to those who have shown dedication, leadership and the superior ability to inspire others to learn.
"It's humbling because there were so many worthy candidates, but validating because it shows that I have chosen the right path," said Fray.
After graduating from Sacred Heart, Fray started out as a translator in Russia.
It wasn't until Fray started teaching Russian in Baltimore to help out a friend, that he realized his passion was to teach.
Soon after, Fray started to follow his calling and began his teaching career at Staples High School, where he continues to teach today.
"It's nice that someone from our school is recognized for being a great teacher and teaching so well," said sophomore Katherine Pompelio.
"For me, that's good to hear because I want to be a teacher."
Since his time spent as a translator in Russia, Fray has visited over 30 different countries sharing his knowledge and experience in the classroom.
As the instructor of Chinese at Staples, Fray also mentors two Chinese exchange students, helping them cope with cultural changes and is the advisor of the Gay/Straight Alliance club.
Fray comes back to Sacred Heart twice a year to lecture faculty on tolerance for the diversity of gay and lesbian students in the classroom.
With an impressive life and career already, he still has big plans for the future.
With goals of building the Chinese program while incorporating modern technology, Fray explains this importance by saying "it is the language of the future."
The award as Westport's teacher of the year has not slowed him down. With big plans for the future and many more minds to mold, Fray looks eagerly on his years of teaching to come.
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