BILL ST. JOHN and JIM NOCERINI

Bouquet: On Feb. 20, it was our great honor to recognize and express our gratitude to two exceptional people who have dedicated more than half a century to serving the Forest Park School District. Together, they have contributed more than 100 years of service to our school and community, an amazing legacy of commitment, leadership, and passion.

Bill St. John taught at Forest Park for 40 years, inspiring generations of students while teaching government, economics, U.S. history, world history, sociology and psychology. He was the kind of teacher who pushed you to think critically, to understand more about yourself and your country, and to recognize your power to make a difference.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. St. John has been a dedicated coach of the chess team since 1970, a passion he still shares with our students today. He is also well known for his commitment to karate, which he has enjoyed and taught for many years!

After a well-earned retirement from teaching, Mr. St. John continued his service to Forest Park, spending 20 years on the school board. His dedication never wavered–whether advocating for students at board meetings, doing his best to ensure our families got Deer Day off to be able to spend time together, volunteering at events or lending a hand in classrooms, his presence at Forest Park has always been felt. And it always will be appreciated.

Jim Nocerini taught for 30 years, beginning at Alpha Porter School and continuing at Forest Park after we consolidated. He made an incredible impact teaching lifelong skills in middle school math and science, welding, woodshop, and he launched a building trades program where, for 15 years, he guided students in constructing a new home each year–homes that are still lived in by families today. But his influence didn’t stop there. He also coached middle school boys basketball, girls varsity basketball, cross country, and track where he helped earn many U.P. championships before finishing his career as athletic director for five years. His passion for teaching and coaching extended beyond wins and losses–he shaped the character and work ethic of his students. Even today, former students share stories of how “Mr. Noc” played a role in their success, giving credit to him for the skills and lessons he taught both in and out of the shop.

After retiring from teaching, Mr. Nocerini continued his service to Forest Park, joining the school board for 20 years–13 of those as board president. His leadership extended beyond our district, as he also served on the ISD school board for 13 years, always working to improve opportunities for students.

As athletic director, during a state finals run after making a bet and staying true to his word, Mr. Noc dyed his hair red! That’s the kind of school spirit he had–and still has. Mr. Nocerini has poured his heart into Forest Park, always doing whatever he could to make our school the best it could be so our students could become the best they could be!

Jim and Bill never sought recognition for their work. They did it because they cared deeply for this community and for every student. Their humility makes this honor even more meaningful. It’s because of people like them that Forest Park is the exceptional place it is today.

Not only have they both impacted generations of Forest Park students, but their legacy continues through their families. Many of their children and grandchildren are now part of the Forest Park staff and family, carrying on their dedication to education and community. What an awesome testament to the impact they have had!

Forest Park is a better place because of them.

We celebrated their remarkable careers in education. As a token of our gratitude, we presented them with clocks–a small symbol of the time and dedication they have given to FP. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.