High school is tough for anyone, but for students experiencing emotional problems or mental health issues, it can be especially difficult.

For the past 25 years, emotional support teacher Ron Fedore has been helping Tyrone High School’s most vulnerable students navigate the everyday challenges of high school.

Over the years Mr. Fedore’s classroom has been a safe haven for students to get help with school work, deal with emotional problems or other issues that students have at school or home.

“I try to provide an environment for students to discover that they have the ability to be successful in school and in life, once they make the move to do so,” said Fedore.

According to his students, Mr. Fedore’s classroom is a place they can feel comfortable, away from the other stresses of the school where they are not bothered by others.

“He is so calm and patient with the students he works with. He cares so much about them and I know the students appreciate his sense of humor,” said High School Guidance Counselor Tiffany Johannides.

Fedore credits those he’s worked with over the years for teaching him how to have success with students.

“I listened to all people who worked in the school system over the years, and never thought that I had all the answers,” said Fedore.

Fedore’s humble attitude and great sense of humor has earned him the respect of his students, their parents and everyone at Tyrone High School who works with him.

“He has a gift, an ability to put parents at ease by listening to their worries about their children,” said paraprofessional Candy Eckels. “He also has a great sense of humor and he always knows exactly what to do or say to his students to help them be successful.”

Current TAHS senior Landon Gill is one of the many students that Fedore has helped over the years.

“Mr. Fedore has [worked with my teachers] to extend due dates for me, to get me extra help, and even eliminate things that were giving me anxiety,” said senior Landon Gill. “He will always be one of my favorite teachers. I will miss seeing and talking to him everyday.”

Fedore always seems to know what a student needs and often uses his sense of humor to help students look at whatever is troubling them in a more positive way.

“There are many humorous things that happen each year.” Fedore said, “I try to let students know that it is okay to laugh at themselves sometimes. We all do things unintentionally that are pretty funny.”

Fedore also teaches his students that there are more important things in life than grades.

“I have learned that everyone is good at something and that determination and motivation have as much to do with future success as the natural ability someone has,” said Fedore.

After many years at the school, he will be missed by administrators, teachers and students.

“I have so many good memories about Mr. Fedore I could never pick just one,” said Johannides, “He is a trustworthy friend who would always listen and offer great advice. I will miss him at TAHS very much. I wish him the best possible future.”

“I’ve worked with Mr. Fedore for years and it’s been a pleasure to be his sidekick. We all will truly miss his smile and his personality,” said Eckels.

Although Fedore is excited to retire and is looking forward to new challenges, he will miss the teachers and students at Tyrone High School.

“I have many good memories working in the Tyrone Area School District” said Fedore, “The staff really cares about the students. I wish all students and staff the best in the future.”