After 30 years in education, 17 of them here as a Panther, one of our very own, Mr. Lombardi, is finally crossing the finish line into retirement.
Before becoming the teacher many students know today, Mr. Kevin Lombardi started out at Fresno State earning his master’s degree in linguistics, which allowed him to begin teaching college classes. He taught at the college level from 1988 to 1992. In 1995, after getting married, he decided to pursue teaching full-time. Inspired by both his mother, who was a teacher, and one of his college professors, Mr. Lombardi found his calling as an English teacher.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Lombardi has taught 30 years, 13 at Pioneer and 17 here at PHS. When asked what kept him motivated throughout all these years, he credited the coworkers he has had in the English department, especially Mrs. Odsather. He also shared his love for the literature he teaches and seeing his students grow.
Education has changed a great deal over the past three decades, and Mr. Lombardi has witnessed those changes firsthand. When asked about this Mr. Lombardi expressed that he has seen changes specifically in the way the district now provides a lot more services to students, especially in areas such as ELD, second language support, mental health, scholarships, guidance, and counseling. He also acknowledged how technology, including Chromebooks and AI, has helped extend his ability to do his job through grading, printing, and as a tool in his classroom, something many educators would express as well in today’s digital age.
Early in his teaching career, Mr. Lombardi admitted he was mainly focused on the academic part of teaching. That perspective changed after a memorable conversation with a student.
“I had a student that really annoyed me. He would say and do things impulsively. Towards the end of the year, he said, ‘You know, Mr. Lombardi, you’re a really nice teacher, a really good guy, but you don’t look like you’re having much fun,’ and that struck a nerve.”
After reflecting on the comment, Mr. Lombardi realized the student was right.
“You know what? He’s right.”
And that is why Mr. Lombardi is the jokester we see today.
When asked what he hopes former students remember about him, Mr. Lombardi gave an honest and thoughtful response:
“Former students remember the strangest things about me. I would want students to remember what it is they remember about me because it makes me think, not in a bad way, but I know I eventually will run into them and it will eventually come back to me. I am more interested in their opinion, not my opinion placed on them.”
He also offered advice for students about life after high school:
“Work is good. Even kids who don’t want to go to college, work. Find work. This is just school. Work is the real world. Earn money and work. A kid can learn a lot more outside the classroom than inside.”
Before ending the interview, Mr. Lombardi shared a few “Lombardisms” for his fellow colleagues:
“Have more fun than you think you’re allowed to have because that is how you cope”
“Bind yourself to others in mutual trust and support because that is how you’ll survive.”
And finally:
“Work hard to the very end because that is how you’re remembered.”
In retirement Mr. Lombardi plans to take a “gap year” to assess himself living within his means. He plans to take day trips and build “big crazy projects” at home. One of those projects includes a massive AM radio antenna to listen to sports, and he plans to tweak it a little bit to make it even better. He also looks forwards to playing a lot of chess.
Also, no proper goodbye would be complete without some farewell’s from those who Mr. Lombardi has worked with over the years:
“I’m really going to miss you, Mr. Lombardi! You share the best jokes, memes, YouTube videos, and stories! I hope you have a wonderful retirement full of rest, relaxation, and joy. You deserve it, Mr. Lombardi!” – Ms. Shelley Gill
“Dearest Mr. Lombardi,
It has been a pleasure to teach alongside you these past several years. From funny videos to great Christmas and end-of-year meeting adventures, and even piñata parties, you have brought light and laughter to this place day after day. You will forever be “Sir Kevin” to us, and I hope you still have the sword from that faithful day.
You have made a lasting impact on those you regularly serve and uplift, teachers and students alike. Words don’t quite describe it, but you will truly be missed, and I still want to get emails with memes and videos from time to time, after all, we aren’t all retiring! I wish you all the best in this next season of life, and I know you are so deeply respected and treasured as a member of our Panther family, always.
Wishing you all the best and more,” – Mrs. Kellie Sanders
“O Sir Kevin Lombardi, of honor rare—
Sworded by royal rite beyond compare,
Steward of Rosebud, master (brief yet grand)
O’er “The Brat,” and keeper of a careful hand;
A teacher true, a friend we shall hold dear—
At PHS, thy home shall e’er be near.
Mr. Lombardi, you are a special teacher and friend who will be greatly missed! Enjoy retirement, don’t EVER lose your sense of humor, and know that you can always call PHS home! We will miss you!” – Mrs. Michelle Odsather
And, of course, no conversation with Mr. Lombardi would be complete without talking about football. When asked who he thinks will be the next super bowl champion, he of course had to say the Rams, who look really good with there QB coming off an MVP caliber season. As a Seahawks fan myself, I’m afraid to play against them on Sunday’s. But we all know the Seahawks are going to go back-to-back and win another super bowl. After winning one in Levi’s stadium last year, the home of the 49ers, it would be amazing to win one in SoFi Stadium, home of the Rams. But only time will tell.
Good luck to Mr. Lombardi in retirement, and thank you for your 17 years as a panther, role model, teacher, and friend here at PHS.
