Marianna Gomez
Mr. John Trafny, long-time teacher and author here at BNI, is planning to retire come the end of this year.

After spending 12 years with US steel and 5 years with John Hancock, Mr. Trafny began his 32 year career here at Noll. During his time with the army, he also served in Western Germany for 13 months.

In addition to teaching a wide range subjects, from U.S. History to Psychology to a course on the Old Testament during his tenure, he also created Calumet Region, an elective course on the history of the area, in the hopes of giving kids here an “understanding of their family history and the sacrifices they made”.

“Too many people, adult and student, know very little about ‘da’ region”, he said, and so he took it upon himself to educate both adults and students, with his class, and with his book series The Polish Community of Gary, Gary’s East Side, Gary’s West Side, and Gary’s Glen Park.

When Trafny turned 62, he told himself that–,“God-willing–” he was still in a good state of health, he would retire at 66. The faculty, staff, and students that he has taught and worked alongside with over the past 32 years, including those who have retired, graduated, or passed away, will be what he most misses from his time here at BNI.

As things stand now, Mr. Trafny says that he just wants to relax during his retirement, however, he would be open to returning here in coming years as a substitute teacher.

On behalf of BNI, the JourNoll says goodbye to Mr. John Trafny, and wishes him a happy and relaxing retirement.