Editor’s Note: This article was also published in the Benet Herald 2025 Graduation Edition.

After 18 years at Benet and 25 years of teaching in total, Mr. Ford is retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Mr. Ford is a beloved instructor and a key figure in Benet’s religion department, having taught all grade levels and all courses. Mr. Ford is especially involved with the Senior class as the Logos Co-Director for 15 years. As Logos director, Mr. Ford has attended at least two Logos trips every year for 15 years. Logos is also one of the things Mr. Ford is going to miss most about Benet along with his colleagues and the students. 

Before Benet, Mr. Ford taught at St. Francis and was inspired to teach because of his desire to impact students’ lives and faith journeys. Mr. Ford paid special attention to meeting students where they were at in life and going from there. Mr. Ford hopes that his students will not take themselves too seriously but be serious about life. Any student who had Mr. Ford will always remember him for his humor, specifically his jokes and stories. In fact, this teacher appreciation week Mr. Ford won the Best Joke-Teller award, a true testament to his spirit and enthusiasm. 

Mr. Ford has some relaxing and well-deserved retirement plans; he and his wife are moving

to a home in North Carolina. They are looking forward to getting involved in a new community and spending time in the water and the beautiful North Carolina scenery. Mr. Ford is especially excited to pick back up hobbies such as guitar and trumpet playing. 

When asked what is the one thing he would like to say to all his students, Mr. Ford replied, “Be gentle with themselves and with one another.” Mr. Ford’s impact on every student he has taught is immeasurable, and Benet will forever be grateful for the kindness and dedication Mr. Ford brought to the classroom each day. Thank you Mr. Ford and happy retirement!