Hersey English teacher who changed lives retires

When it comes to teachers who have made an impact at John Hersey High School, many students and teachers are quick to recognize Charles Venegoni.

"(His) unique passion for literature and philosophy inspired us all to think about the world in deeper, more meaningful ways," said Hersey High School alumnus Michael Miller, who graduated in 2015.

Venegoni retired this year after teaching at Hersey for 32 years. Most recently he taught College Western Literature and Thought. He was also the English and Fine Arts division head, a position he has held for 17 years.

Venegoni was instrumental in Hersey's curriculum revision in 1999, a redesign that has been important in shaping the school's outstanding academics record, staff said.

"There has been a purposeful change in behavior in our students since then. There's been a change in the drive that students have," Venegoni said. "I'm very proud to say that Hersey students think learning is cool."

At Northwest Suburban High School District 214, Venegoni was the driving force behind the collaborative, interdisciplinary curriculum initiative, a novel approach that strengthened students' progress in the areas of reading, writing and critical thinking.

As a result of his revolutionary approach to curriculum design, Venegoni was the first recipient of District 214's Dr. Elizabeth A. Ennis Innovator Award in 2006.

Venegoni's name conjures respect from students and teachers alike. Many say his teachings shaped their outlook on education and taught them to question their own beliefs and generate educated responses based on what they thought was right.

"Dr. Venegoni is one of those rare teachers who isn't afraid of letting the class know his own opinions, but, at the same time, considers it essential that students are coming up with and examining opinions of their own," said Hersey alumna Megan Anderluh, a 2009 graduate.

"He gives credence to his students, never doubting their ability to comprehend a text or the value of their interpretation."

Students and alumni said he had the ability to change his students' lives.

"I credit him with building my critical thinking skills by teaching me to approach literature - and life - in a different way," said Hersey alumna Jenny Johnson, from the Class of 1987. "He forced me to seriously analyze situations, to go deeper than the surface and to defend arguments from multiple directions."

After being chosen as Hersey's division head in 1999, Venegoni could only teach one class.

"While I'll miss all of this, that one period a day with those kids is always what I looked forward to the most, and it's going to be what I miss the most," he said.

• Hersey sophomore Jamie Anderluh contributed to this story.