Respected WHS Athletic Director to Retire
Waltham High School Athletic Director (AD) Steve LaForest will retire at the end of the school year after 9 years on the job.
WPS Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa made the announcement in a message to the WHS community about the upcoming search for a new principal.
Calling him “the best,” parents, colleagues and coaches congratulated Steve on Facebook with warm words about his character and commitment to Waltham.
“Not enough credit given for a job like this,” said WHS girls’ varsity field hockey coach Taylor Scafidi. “Thanks for everything Steve! You will be missed.”
Varsity football coach Sean Brackett described Steve as “ a great mentor” who provided support over the last four years.
A former WHS math teacher, Steve was also the varsity baseball manager when he was hired as the AD in 2016 by former superintendent Drew Echelson. He succeeded Bill Foley.
During his tenure, Waltham High Cheer teams won multiple national and state titles and the WHS boys varsity hockey team won the Division 1 state championship in 2018.
Like a true Walthamite, Steve deferred credit to the coaches and athletes.
“At the end of the day I always felt like the goal of high school athletics is to help students become better people, ready to make a positive impact in their communities after their high school playing days are over,” he said.
Chad Mazza, the district’s assistant superintendent for finance and operations, will oversee the search for a new AD. Congrats to Steve and his family on his upcoming retirement!
File photos: Peter Lobo
