Mr. Hook marks his 70th first day of school

VIENNA, Ill. (KBSI) – Mr. Hook will mark his 70th first day in 2023 at Vienna Grade School.

Max Hook’s first, first day wasn’t kindergarten, but Mrs. Phyllis Allard’s first grade class at Vienna Grade School. Since then, he racked up 12 years in Vienne Grade and High Schools.

He then started his career as a teacher and coach at Breese Central before making his way back to Vienna where he served as a teacher and coach since 1982, which adds up to 70 first days. Hook also held the record for most wins of any baseball coach in Vienna High history for many years until it was recently broken by Coach David Hill.

School Superintendent Joshua Stafford, who has served the district for 19 years and also graduated from Vienna, was a student of Mr. Hook during high school.

“I am looking forward to Mr. Hook being here for another 70 years!” said Stafford.

Out of Hook’s two children and five grandchildren, most will or have had him as a teacher or a coach.

Hook will be teaching driver’s education, serving as an IHSA basketball official and driving a school bus.

The first day for students is on Friday, August 11.