A beloved science teacher from Westbrook High School has officially entered the history books. Kenneth Savage, 76, was recently recognized by Guinness World Records for the longest career as a science teacher (male), a title he earned after an incredible 54 years and 289 days in the same classroom.
Savage, who began his teaching career in 1970, dedicated almost 55 school years to Room 222 at Westbrook High School. His tenure was a masterclass in educational versatility, as he taught everything from chemistry and biology to anatomy, physics, and even marine biology. He became an iconic figure at the school, known for his clever lesson-planning that included bringing live animals like raptors and his pet umbrella cockatoo, Marshmallow, into the classroom to inspire his students.
Savage’s retirement in June was celebrated with a massive party thrown by his family and colleagues, where he was presented with the world record certificate. The honor came as a complete surprise to him. “I was like, ‘Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me!'” he told a local news outlet.
Beyond his time in the classroom, Savage also coached cross country, advised the student council and honor society, and served for 20 years as an officer for the state Department of Environmental Protection, where he received two life-saving awards. His daughter, Sarah Noiseux, who helped compile the evidence for the record, said the family was humbled by the recognition, which they felt was a fitting tribute to her father’s dedication to education.
As Savage begins his well-deserved retirement, his legacy as a passionate educator and a true champion of science will continue to inspire generations of students in Connecticut and beyond.
