On the morning of Friday, February 6, Stamford High School honored Curtis Tinnin, a man who has been affiliated with Stamford High for 40 years. Tinnin, commonly known around the school as “Curt,” attended Stamford High from 1975-1977. In his junior and senior years he was a key player on the boys’ basketball team, and even led the team to being state champion runners-up. After attending Tunxis College, Tinnin found his way back to Stamford High as a security guard. He worked his way up, and is now the head of security. In 2015, Tinnin was also named head of all athletic transportation. He is also the assistant coach for the girls’ basketball team, and helps out with boys’ basketball when he can.  His hard work and his dedication to being the best that he can be are what has driven Stamford High’s appreciation for him.

During the celebration, boys’ basketball captains Jay Devito (junior) and Kwe Askew (senior), and girls’ basketball captains Oriana Merone (senior) and Tiana England (junior), presented Tinnin with an honorary award for his 40 years with Stamford High. Along with the award, many spoke about Tinnin and the positive impact he has had on Stamford High. History teacher and Athletic Director James Moriarty, a longtime friend of Tinnin, said, “Curtis is a positive example of what goes on at Stamford High School. His 40 year relationship [with the school], and his helping of student athletes, are his testaments to SHS.” Security guard James “J.J.,” Jordan also spoke about Tinnin and their friendship together, as did Interim Principal Rodney Bass, who remembers Tinnin as a student.

It is not just faculty who appreciate Tinnin, though; students do as well, and several of them spoke at the celebration. Junior Madison Johnson, a player on the girls basketball team, said, “Curt has been such a positive role model in my life. He’s helped me become a better basketball player.”

Most touching of all was the surprise Tinnin got during the presentation: a Skype call from SHS alumna Vanessa Giddens. Giddens was a girl he took under his wing and taught how to play basketball. She went on to play basketball for Hofstra University and is now living in Spain, playing basketball overseas. Tinnin helped open up opportunities for Giddens that her family wouldn’t have been able to do alone. He saw that her dedication would bring her far, so he did whatever he could to help out. Tinnin paid for half the cost of her Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball team membership, so that her family could afford it. Giddens and her family can never pay back Tinnin for all the opportunities he has given her. Giddens invited (and funded) Tinnin to go watch her play in Spain at the end of February, as a token of her appreciation.

It is safe to say that Tinnin has made a lasting impression on the student body and faculty at SHS. We thank him for all of his hard work and school spirit!