After more than 30 years of teaching at Park, choir director John Myszkowski will be retiring after this year. In recognition of his service, Tim Walz (Governor of Minnesota) and Peggy Flanagan (Lieutenant Governor) have officially designated May 28, 2025, as “Mr. Myszkowski Day,” which was announced at their last concert of the year that took place on the same day.
Junior Noa Butler, a student in Myszkowski’s choir class, said what makes him stand out is the enthusiastic energy and personal attention he brings to class every day.
“It’s obvious how much he loves his job,” Butler said. “Every day, he comes in giving 100 percent. He’s not a teacher who’s just going through the motions; he knows something about every one of his students and is always doing something silly to make us laugh. That’s something that (has) always set him apart from other teachers.”
Choir teacher John Myszkowski said he was not expecting the amount of recognition he received from his students. He said he has a lot of gratitude and has realized the importance of educators’ influence on their students.
“To think my students made a day dedicated to me was unimaginable,” Myszkowski said. “I am just so grateful, and it reminded me that it’s so easy to forget the profound impact we teachers can have on students without even realizing it.”
Senior Karen Dworsky said Myszkowski’s passion helped shape the choir program into what it is today. She said his daily routine is something that will always stay with her.
“He brought a lot of spirit into the program and so many creative ideas, for example, the choir musicals,” Dworsky said. “I’m always going to remember his energetic good mornings and our conversations when I come into class.”
According to Butler, Myszkowski’s departure will be deeply felt by the choir community. She said she hopes the sense of connection within the group he created will continue after he retires, as he personally transformed her experience at school for the better.
“I worry our school will lose the community that he has built for us, but I think and hope all of us who will still be here next year will never let that disappear,” Butler said. “I honestly feel more confident in school settings because of him, because he makes class very comfortable and silly.”
Dworsky said Myszkowski showed unwavering support to the choir no matter the results. She said having a teacher show that much trust is meaningful.
“Whether we were sounding good or bad, (Myszkowski) always makes sure we’re aware that he has faith in us and that we will pull it together,” Dworsky said. “It’s nice having a teacher that believes in you and he always did.”
Myszkowski said some of his most meaningful moments came from watching his students achieve success through music. He will miss being a part of the community.
“I have so many fun memories working here, including our choir going to Minnesota music educators’ concerts twice, which was so huge for us,” Myszkowski said. “Getting to conduct these students as they make these accomplishments was the best part of my career, and I’m going to miss it.”
