Author and former teacher Timothy Tocher returns to Tuxedo for annual writing contest assembly

Tuxedo - There was an air of anticipation among the audience of student writers at the George Grant Mason School’s ninth annual Timothy Tocher Writing Contest Awards on June 15. Most of the students had submitted entries and were anxious to hear if they were among the 15 winners selected. The contest, named after Tocher, a veteran teacher in Tuxedo for 30 years, has been held since his retirement. Many of the students in the audience had older siblings or parents who were taught by Tocher and remembered him for his good humor, wit and as an inspiring teacher. Tocher also grew up and attended school in Tuxedo. He is now a children’s author who has published books, stories and poems. A new graphic book about baseball, “Odd Ball,” is scheduled for publication early in the coming year. Tocher’s ease and good humor were apparent at the assembly when he had kind words to say for all entrants and as he introduced the winners and asked them to read their winning pieces. The 2010 winners are: Grade 2: Kaitlyn Ferri Grade 3: Gretchen Currie, Carlos Lopez and Katiana Rolan Grade 4: James Giglio and Jacob Moon Grade 5: Sarah Ahsan, Sidney Bewlay and Matthew Leo Grade 6: Tara O’Dell, Daria Fatemi, Taylor McQuade and Isabel Minano Grade 7: David Voss Grade 8: Paddy Decimo The winning writers received Borders gift certificates thanks to the Tuxedo PTO.