Al Saladin, substitute teacher, has decided to retire after 14 years of substitute teaching. Today is his last day.

“I’m going to miss saying folks, friends and neighbors to all the classes,” Saladin said. “I’m going to miss it a great deal.”

From his “folks, friends and neighbors” expression to his rapid memorization of seating charts, Saladin is known by all students and staff.

“Mr. Saladin is a staple at Marquette,” Principal Dr. Greg Mathison said. “We’ve appreciated his patience, his care for our students and his overall love for what he does.”

Saladin was born in Collinsville, Ill. and his family moved to St. Louis when he was seven years old. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served for four years during the Korean conflict.

Upon returning to the United States, he received his undergraduate and Master’s degrees from St. Louis University where he received his Kold’s certificate for teaching grades K-12.

He taught elementary school for five years and eventually ended up teaching high school social studies before retiring.

“I took off a year and did nothing and it drove me up a tree,” Saladin said.

To fill his time, Saladin began substitute teaching in Rockwood. He started off reporting to several of the schools in the district, but eventually decided to substitute solely to MHS.

“Everyone is so great here at Marquette,” Saladin said. “I haven’t subbed at the other schools for years.”

Saladin said the advantage of being a substitute is the opportunity to watch students grow throughout the years.

“You see the students every year from freshmen when they are very talkative and insecure grow over the years into confident and mature seniors,” Saladin said.

Priya Keathley, senior, said she has enjoyed seeing Saladin for the past four years.

“It always brightened my day to see him as a sub in my class,” Keathley said. “I’m disheartened to know the incoming freshmen won’t ever experience the ‘folks, friends and neighbors’ saying and name memorization like my class has the past four years. ”

During his retirement, Saladin plans to travel with his wife, who he said has been wanting him to retire for years. They have traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, Saladin said, but are looking forward to planning a trip to Hawaii.

Saladin said he is thankful for the kindness students and staff have shown him over the years.

He encouraged students to appreciate all the

“Seniors when you graduate come back and thank the Marquette staff for giving you the foundation to be successful in your career and life,” Saladin said.

His favorite moments from his time at MHS include having his “folks, friends and neighbors” quote on the front of the 2006 Medallion Yearbook, introducing the Mustang Court for Mr. Mustang one year, appearing in a MHStv spoof on “Austin Powers” and being interviewed several times by MHStv over the years.

“I enjoy working with young people, it keeps me on my toes,” Saladin said. “I have a good time everyday and that’s what school is about.”