Milton Academy celebrates Mr. M.
MILTON -- Francis Millet has a flawless memory, a youthful face, and diction that could make him a name in broadcasting. And "Mr. M.," as he's known by many, has already agreed to return for his 66th year teaching at Milton Academy.
Yesterday, about 500 friends and former students gathered at the school to celebrate Millet's 90th birthday. And many admitted they envied their spry mentor, who still plays squash every day, sometimes winning points from students more than 70 years his junior.
"He's in better shape than a lot of 40-year-olds," said 17-year-old Samuel Panarese, who plays squash with Millet. "He's probably the person I respect most in my life."
Dressed in a dark green suit and a tie with blue and orange stripes, Milton's school colors, Millet endured a constant stream of hugs, handshakes, and reminiscences.
He deflected the praise that was showered upon him.
"You almost might believe all that," Millet joked about his accomplishments during his brief remarks to the crowd. "I'm so glad to see so many of you here."
Millet came to Milton in 1942, two years after graduating from Harvard. Over the years, he has taught English and Latin, while also coaching sports teams. He started the squash program in 1964 and remains the coach to this day. He also worked as director of admissions and, in recent years, has been an admissions officer. Millet never married and has lived on the campus throughout his career.
His career spans so many decades that he's had to adjust to many changes in education.
Although he doesn't use e - mail, he knew an Internet presence was important and pushed for a squash website. But students still appreciate the handwritten, personalized notes they receive from Millet. He's sent out hundreds over the years, and his hand is still steady enough to write out every one of the school's 170 to 180 diplomas in calligraphy.
Millet sat at lunch between two of his oldest students, including 79-year-old Charles Koch, from an all-boys school in New Mexico where he taught before Milton. Although Koch and Millet have stayed in touch only with occasional Christmas cards over the decades, Koch said he considers his former teacher a true friend. He came to Millet's 80th birthday 10 years ago, and said he expects to return for his 100th.
"He molded my life not only as a teacher, but as a person who would guide you in the right direction," Koch said. "I don't know anyone in this room that doesn't truly love him."
Richard Latch, a former security guard, recalled that Millet, who still drives, always asks that he reserve a spot for him in the lot for football games. And everyone spoke fondly of Millet's classic white flannel squash pants.
People ate lunch at tables under a large tent in the quad. They lined up to pose for photos with Millet, in which he invariably wore a straight face.
Not in attendance were some of Milton's most famous graduates, such as singer/songwriter James Taylor and Governor Deval Patrick. But a group of men sang Millet a rendition of Taylor's "You've Got a Friend" with the lyrics: "Latin, squash, admissions, and all. All you have to do is call." And Patrick sent his regrets.
"I wish I could go!" Patrick, a 1974 Milton graduate, said after delivering the commencement address yesterday at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne. "I have great memories of him and great fondness for him. He's just been a mentor and a counselor and a good friend."
"It didn't matter where they came from or what they did. Every student he's taught is uniquely special to him," said Cathy Everett, Milton spokeswoman.
When asked why he wants to come back next year, Millet turned and looked at a former student. "People like this," he said.
Michael Levenson of the Globe contributed to this report. 