Take a walk down “Lou Lane”
After 23 years of working as a campus supervisor and school security enforcer, 93-year-old Louis “Lou” Trevisan retired on Oct. 29.
Students, faculty, and staff gathered in the quad during lunch on the day of Trevisan’s retirement to celebrate and thank him. Later, the faculty held a more intimate celebration where they shared humorous stories and memories over cake.
In honor of his many years of service to the school, the faculty decided to dedicate the service road to Trevisan. During the faculty celebration, Assistant Principal of Athletics Kelly Welch surprised Trevisan with a street sign that reads “Lou Lane”, to match the one that has been hung on the road.
Originally, Trevisan did not anticipate working on campus for as long as he did. “I thought I’d take a chance, but I never knew I would be here all these years,” Trevisan said. “I think it’s a great school … I would have worked here even if they didn’t pay me.”
Social science department chair Steve Johnson has known Trevisan for about 20 years. Johnson was happy to see Trevisan able to retire in good health and on his own terms. However, he added, “it’s going to be sad not to see him around campus.”
Even while Trevisan’s retirement is bittersweet, the faculty has been trying to look on the bright side, recalling all the good memories they have of him.
When Trevisan was keeping food and drinks out of the gym during a basketball game, Johnson watched as he “controlled a crowd of 1500 people and had everyone respect what he was saying,” said Johnson. “He makes a very difficult job look easy.”
Lynn Baum, physical education and health teacher, reminisced about when Trevisan was escorting celebrities Bob Saget, Tim Allen, and Howie Mandel to the faculty cafeteria. “(He) was having so much fun with them, making them laugh. And they’re the comedians!” Baum said.
Baum shared that she will miss Trevisan’s smile, his sunny disposition, and how he is always willing to tell a story. “Just him driving around in his golf cart and being with all the kids is always (going to be) a happy memory,” Baum said.
Trevisan may be leaving the school, but he is also leaving his wisdom to all the students, faculty and staff who pass through. “Always think positive, don’t put your head down; keep on going,” Trevisan said.
Trevisan also shared his personal beliefs about the importance of education. “There’s nothing like a good education,” Trevisan said, “(so) do the best that you can. They give you a diploma after graduating high school, but they don’t give you a diploma to life. Life is tough, and you’ve got to go out there and fight for yourself.”
During his speech at Trevisan’s retirement party, Principal Josh Eby said, “Lou is definitely a big part of our family here at Newbury Park, and he will be missed.”
