90-year-old substitute teacher serves as grand marshal of Ocean Springs High Parade

Age is nothing but a number, that saying is true for 90-year-old substitute teacher Ray Skillestad who is celebrating his birthday and Mardi Gras season in style.

The good times are always rolling for Ocean Springs School District substitute teacher Ray Skillestad, who served as the grand marshal for the annual OSHS Mardi Gras Parade.

After turning 90 last month, Mr. Skillestad says he has a lot to be thankful for. “The parade was outstanding. The students you could tell they were open. They were joyful.”

Mr. Skillestad began his career in education as a teacher right out of college. After retirement, he began a second career as a substitute in several districts. In 2002, he became a sub in the OS School District, where he quickly became a student and staff favorite. Director of Band Kevin Shira said, “Every time he substitutes for a class the kids are so excited that oh, we get Mr. Skillestad today. ”

Watching someone dedicate their life to education while still having the same excited energy and passion for it that Mr. Skillestad has serves as an inspiration to his fellow educators. Sarah Yennie with Ocean Springs High School said, “For me, I’m actually thinking about my future and I want to be just like him. When I do retire, I want to come back and want to be a sub.”

Over the last two decades Mr. Skillestad has influenced the lives of thousands of students who walk through these doors. In fact, one student said Mr. Skillestad, he’s the best ever.

“This school from the first day it opened has been a masterpiece. And what makes it is the administration and the teachers, but the students follow their directions and it’s become one of the top schools in Mississippi.”