This is it. After 34 years, social studies teacher Jerry Judd is retiring from SHS. 

In 1990, when Judd was initially approached about the job, Streetsboro was a lot smaller, he said. “We didn’t have all the restaurants, didn’t have all the car dealerships, all those hotels and things…” 

He has seen Streetsboro grow larger and larger throughout his time, and he has grown to love Streetsboro. “It’s just a great place to live…” He said. “It’s a great place to work. The staff is awesome, the students are great… It’s changed, but it’s changed for the better.”

Judd has taught almost every topic in the realm of social studies: history, geography, culture, psychology and more. He originally taught American history, but moved to world history.

Throughout the years, Judd has also coached track and football. The old field and track at the former high school were not very good, he said, but as athletics improved, the facilities became more sophisticated.

Judd has a lot of plans for retirement. “Anybody that knows me knows I love hunting, I love fishing,” he said. “That’s what I love to do, so I’m sure I’ll be doing more hunting and fishing.” 

Additionally, Judd wants to visit all 63 national Parks. He has currently made it to around 45. He also has one grandchild, and another on the way, so he will be becoming a full time grandparent.

Those friends and students he leaves behind will miss him, though.

“He’s just really fun to mess around with because he is just calm,” said fellow history teacher Sherry Maruna. “It’s been great to work with him.”

There is no denying the impact that Judd has made on SHS as he has seen generations of students come and go. “I’ve seen kids go off and, you know, to the military and serve our country,” Judd said.  “I’ve seen them go off to college and come back and share what they do now.”

Judd said he is sad to be leaving as well. “That’s probably the biggest thing I’m gonna miss when I retire,” he said. “Standing in front of a class, talking about something I’m very passionate about, and that’s history.” 

One of Judd’s favorite things about teaching has been seeing the results. “I’m always gratified when kids come and seek me out and want to talk,” he said. “That’s how I know if I’ve had an impact, albeit maybe a slight one, on their lives.”