When talking about her family’s experience working with Daniel “Dann” Pompa, a veteran guidance counselor at Wilton High School, parent Esther Hilbers begins to tear up.
“He was a great counselor,” she said, recounting how he’d welcomed the family after they’d moved to Wilton from the Netherlands last year.
“He was just great,” she said. “He did a lot for the kids. He’s just so nice and funny. I think he’s gone through a lot, but he’s always helpful and supportive. He’s just everything you wish for for your kid.”
After 40 years in the profession, including the last 20 at WHS, Pompa retires on Friday, March 8. Having juggled substantial health issues over the past couple of years, including cancer diagnoses and a kidney transplant, he’s finally ready to take some real time off to rest up and see what the next chapter will bring.
“I have no idea what I’m going to do,” Pompa said. “I’m going to be Rip Van Winkle. I’m gonna relax.”
The clear consensus among parents and students is that he will be irreplaceable.
“He’s a great role model, a great human being, and loved by everybody,” Ethan Bailey, 17, said.
“There’s nothing bad to say about him at all,” he said. “Mr. Pompa’s great. He’s been really helpful to me in my process in high school … I really just look up to him.”
Pompa, 69, was born at Bridgeport Hospital and later grew up in Trumbull.
“I was going to be an architect,” he said. “That was my plan.”
“I love architecture. I still do, so when I go to someone’s house, I love to tell them what they should be doing.”
Not unlike the fictional film character George Bailey, however, who ignored his dreams of architecture in order to serve his town in the film It’s a Wonderful Life, Pompa ultimately chose to pursue teaching more than 40 years ago.
“Totally the right move,” he said. “No doubt about it.”
WHS Principal Robert O’Donnell had high praise for Pompa.
“As a school counselor he has truly dedicated his life to his students and their families,” he said. “His craft has been characterized by strong interpersonal connections and deep care for all aspects of his students’ lives.”
He noted Pompa’s work with several WHS clubs, including Kick for Nick Foundation, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and Socks for Soldiers, noting these were characteristic of his altruism and encouragement of his students to make a difference in the lives of others.
“Students have consistently sought and benefited from his counsel in academic matters, social situations, life challenges, and post-secondary planning,” O’Donnell said. “He always put students and their wellbeing first on his priority list.”
Pompa worked a variety of positions over the years, in Bethel, Shelton and Southbury prior to coming to Wilton in 2003.
“I taught alternative education. I taught math, science. I taught reading, and for two years I taught English,” he said.
Other activities he’s spearheaded or been involved with include Peervention, Peer Mentoring, Buon Amico, and work as class advisor.
“He’s my guidance counselor, but he’s so much more than that,” said student Will Fischer, who led this year’s St. Baldrick‘s head shaving event. “He’s the one who got me into all the clubs I do now.”
“Mr. Pompa is just one of the most amazing people I’ve met in my life,” he said. “He’s just someone who’s always been there for me … and many other people.”
Teacher Greg Theriault, who will take over as the advisor for the St. Baldrick’s club, shared about working with Pompa for 20 years.
“It’s a huge loss,” Theriault said of his departure. “The void that’s going to be felt among the student body is immeasurable.”
He noted the long line of students that show up outside Pompa’s office every day as a testament to his influence and impact. He also wished him the best with his retirement.
“I’m very happy for him,” he said. “I think he’s going to enjoy retirement. I think he’s worked an awful lot over the last decades or so and I think he needs a break, but we’re gonna miss him a lot.”
Like others, Theriault said one of the main things he would remember about Pompa was his sense of humor, which includes an ability to joke even at times of adversity.
“He always has something funny to say,” he said. “He approaches everything with such a measured sense of (humor). No matter how bad things are, you can always look to Dan and he’s even-keeled and handling it with a smile and usually a joke.”
Parent Meredith Gilmore described Pompa as a game changer.
“Mr. Pompa is a game changer because of his ability to really relate to the kids,” she said, “but also (he) understands the environment of the school.”
“He definitely has a connection to the kids … and the kids love him,” she said.
Asked what words he would love with his students and families, he said would remind them to always be honest, to say ‘Hello’ to others and to remember ‘Thank Yous’ as well.
“Take care of yourselves while also taking care of those around you,” he said.
Suzanne Hagmann, a parent, called Pompa “the best.”
“He was great on advising my son on certain courses,” she said. “He gave us ideas that we never thought of before and it truly helped change the course of my son in this particular class, where we didn’t think he’d do well and now he’s getting A’s, and it’s only because of Mr. Pompa.”
“He’s extremely helpful, extremely knowledgeable, and we’re going to miss him terribly,” she said.
Olaf Wegder, 16, said Pompa played a pivotal role in his life after he arrived from The Netherlands.
“When I came to this school, he was probably the one person who helped me the most,” he said.
Like many others, parent Cathy Ambrose saw the lives of her family changed by Pompa.
“My son struggled througout high school,” she said. “He went to a few alternative high schools and Mr. Pompa was there for him all throughout, helping guide him and support him throughout all the changes.”
“It made a world of difference for him,” she said, noting that her son was now attending college and doing terrifically.
“My younger son is here now and he just gets the kids,” Ambrose said. “He gives his heart to every kid that’s there. The time that he spent with my son, calling me after hours, it’s just great. He puts in the time and the effort.”
And the praise from students continued.
“He’s just a huge mentor for me,” senior Owen Theoharides said.
“He’s been really supportive, the biggest cheerleader,” he said. “We’re proud of him and we’re happy for him.”
Pompa himself is not entirely sure how he feels about retirement at this point. “Very mixed,” he said. “Very mixed. I don’t think I can put it in words yet. It’s just too hard.”
Still, he knows he made the right choice when he began devoting his life to teaching.
“I know I’ve made a difference here and there,” he said.
What a wonderful tribute to a remarkable man! I wish I had had counselors like that when I was in high school in Ohio.
Thank you GMW for shining a well earned spotlight on Dann Pompa. All 3 of my kids were fortunate to have him as their guidance counselor. Each of them needed different things from Dann and he met each of them according to those needs. High School is tough, but at least for our family, it would have been a lot tougher without Dann Pompa. Sending him best wishes for a well deserved rest!
He’s the best there is! I’m really sorry to hear about his health issues!
Dann Pompa is one of WHS best. He connected with his students on so many different levels. His office was always overflowing with students involved in so many volunteer clubs and activities or just hanging out together. Dann guided students through the difficulties of high school and plans for the future. I worked with Dann for 14 years watching him care for our students and faculty with quiet compassion . I wish him well in his retirement.