Mr. Al Halpain is one of the media specialist clerks at the MHS Library. He has worked at MHS for 14 years. Before working at MHS, he was a special education English teacher, focusing on teaching kids how to read, furthering his love for reading.

Al is known for his infectious personality and always happy-to-help attitude. He works alongside many people who are going to miss him very much: “I am going to miss him a lot, but I’m happy he is going to enjoy his retirement. He is so awesome with the students, and he is going to be missed by many,” said Mrs. Keltner.

Al always has the best recommendations and can help you find any book or resource you need: “He has a wealth of knowledge regarding books, book series, etc. I am sorely going to miss having him as a resource. He also has a good sense of humor. We have shared a lot of laughs together,” said Connie Keitel.

Al hasn’t always been in education. In his first career, he worked as an accountant but wanted to do more: “I was still an accountant when 9-11 happened. After that, I realized that I wanted to do more with my life, so I applied to work at a school,” said Al.

Immediately upon the change in scenery and job duties, he felt more fulfilled working with the students daily. As a librarian, he loved the connections he would make with students: “I especially remember a student who hated to read, and when he came into the library, I helped him find a book with his interests. Ever since that day, he comes in all the time for new books,” said Al.

Graphic courtesy of the MHS Auroran Today staff.

Moments like that were what stood out to Al. He loved those small interactions with students that maybe changed their perception of reading. Al loves to help each student find the perfect book.

Over the years, Al has learned a lot in the education field from his times in the classroom and also in the library: “The biggest lesson I have learned is to not take it personally. Each kid is different, so I’ve just learned to adapt to whatever is happening at that moment,” said Al.

He has engaged with many different students and made the kind of relationships that inspired him to go into education:  “I also loved coming back to a school after graduating many years prior and saw how it changed my view on it. I learned so much coming back as an educator compared to being a student,” said Al.

Even though Al is retiring, he hopes to stay involved in the school and keep his connections with students. “I am going to try and still stay active and involved, maybe pick up a part-time job,” said Al.

MHS will all miss Al’s bright smile and big heart, but we wish him well with whatever path he takes.