In Culminating Career Moment, Tod Silegy '76 Honored As Physical Education Teacher of Year

Tod Silegy’s career as an educator and coach spanned four decades. The 1976 Keene State graduate retired in June of 2024, but that didn’t stop the awards from rolling in. Silegy was named the New Hampshire Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance 2024 Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

He and other honorees were feted during a recognition gala at the Waterville Valley (N.H.) Conference Center.

“It is an absolute honor and I am extremely humbled,” Silegy said of the award. “To me, what made this award so special is that the award committee that selected me was made up of my physical education peers, and secondly, my entire family was at the ceremony to see the presentation. It was an unbelievable night.”

The honor was a culminating moment for Silegy, who leaves a legacy not meant to be matched but to inspire. His gaudy final resume was fashioned over 47 years, marked by innovation, passion, and unique people skills that allowed him to connect naturally with young students and make learning fun.

“(Tod’s) ability to work with troubled learners or children with special needs is remarkable, and he has a rare ability to build strong relationships with students and inspire them to be their best selves.”

– Tim Conway, Principal, South Meadow School

When Silegy retired, he was two-plus decades into his role as PE teacher, athletic director, and boys’ soccer and girls’ softball coach at South Meadow School in Peterborough, N.H. Before that, he was the men’s soccer coach and administrator for 24 years at Franklin Pierce University.

South Meadow Principal Tim Conway described Silegy as a deft communicator, exceptional educator, and advocate for his profession. And, he added, “A person always willing to go the extra mile for his students.”

“His ability to work with troubled learners or children with special needs is remarkable, and he has a rare ability to build strong relationships with students and inspire them to be their best selves,” Conway said.

The state honored Silegy in 2011 with its Middle School Physical Education Teacher Award. When he retired last year, South Meadow held a recognition ceremony at halftime of the soccer team’s final home game to honor his legacy, unveiling a commemorative banner that hangs in the school gymnasium.

According to a statement from the presenting awards committee, “a defining part of Silegy’s career as an educator is “that he made students feel special, important, and confident every day, no matter their ability level.”

Richard Dunning hired Silegy when Dunning was principal at South Meadow. He is now chair of the Conval School Board. Dunning said Silegy’s vision led to a more diverse and supportive PE program at South Meadow.

“He implemented roller skating, a High Elements climbing wall, skateboarding, and using music to generate movement,” Dunning said. “His outdoor classes introduced mountain biking, snowshoeing, sliding, and cross-country skiing.”

Silegy earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Keene State. While he played three sports, he excelled on the soccer pitch. His daughter Katie went on to play soccer for the Owls, too.

A defensive stopper, Silegy was part of an Owls team that was among the best in New England. The squad went 63-10-6 during his playing years and earned two trips to the NAIA National Tournament.

At South Meadow, Silegy’s teams racked up over 250 wins and three league titles. At FPU, he amassed 258 victories, leading the Raven soccer team to eight consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, and a Final Four berth in 1991.

But it is his gift for teaching, have-fun nature, and sense of humor that never allowed anything activities-related to be more serious than it needed, that will be remembered, and hopefully modeled, most.

Silegy lives in Keene with his wife, Beth. They have three children, Katie, Emilee, and Sam.

Two Owl Students Tabbed Outstanding Future Professionals

Two physical education majors at Keene State, Ashley Enis ‘25 and Rae Ells ‘24, were among seven students honored at the event as Outstanding Future Professionals.

A non-traditional student, Rae earned her degree in the fall after completing her student teaching.

“For the past 10 years, I have worked to become a physical education teacher,” she said. “I’ll never give up. I will be that teacher!”

Ashley played field hockey but missed her junior year because of an injury. She was a student assistant coach for the squad in the fall.