As the school year comes to a close, students begin to say goodbye to their favorite teachers, preparing to see them again next year. But many beloved teachers will not be returning to Foran in the fall. Among those teachers is Mr. Jason Stammen.

Mr. Stammen has taught at Foran for four years, leading classes such as Choir, American Popular Music, and Vocal Performance Techniques for Musical Theatre. He has recently accepted a position teaching at Newington High School, making 2025 his final year working at Foran. As Mr. Stammen prepares to leave, students reflect upon his impact on the school community.

Sophomore Margaret Bredbeck describes Mr. Stammen as a calming presence, full of energy and new ideas. “He’s dedicated to making things turn out the best that they can, and he’s always willing to listen,” says Bredbeck. “He’s one of my favorite teachers and favorite people.”

Mr. Stammen also leads the Mane Stage Players and has directed a variety of shows, including Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia, and, most recently, Seussical. Members of the club say Mr. Stammen has inspired them to continue enjoying theatre, even after high school. Many have even been nominated for awards for their performances in Seussical this past March.

Junior Filippo “Sunny” Montanaro cites Mr. Stammen as one of the reasons he began doing theatre at Foran in the first place. When he felt awkward and unsure about joining the Mane Stage Players, Mr. Stammen helped him through it. “He helped me gain enough confidence to do [theatre], and he’s totally inspired all my stage presence and confidence in acting,” says Montanaro.

News of Mr. Stammen’s planned departure from Foran has had a profound impact on students. Many hope to visit him after he leaves, and wish for him to continue to attend Foran productions.

“I will still be bothering him in college, and I hope he knows that,” senior Mia Iacono says. Iacono remembers taking around three of Mr. Stammen’s classes in her freshman year, and says he’s one of her favorite teachers.

Mr. Stammen’s students are very happy for him and wish him well as he pursues this new opportunity in teaching. Still, they will be sad to see him go. Many recall being deeply upset at the news of his departure.

“I kind of have been putting it off thinking about my senior year without Mr Stammen, and I know it’ll hit me like a ton of bricks, but for right now, I know we’ll be fine,” says junior Lexi Kochanawitz.

Even without Mr. Stammen, the music department will continue its wonderful work. Students say they will try to maintain the joy and energy he brought to music. He has had a deep impact on their lives, and many say they are incredibly grateful to him for all of the support and encouragement he has shared over the years.

Sophomore Emily Moore speaks for many when she says, “I miss Stammen already, and he’s just down the stairs.”