Mr. Fran Mano, or “Mano” as many of his students came to affectionately call him, graduated from Center High School in 1981. He continued his education at the Community College of Beaver County, then went on to study Visual Communications at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He finished his college career at the University of Pittsburgh and majored in Vocational Education. Mr. Mano started his 40 year journey at the Beaver County Career and Technology Center as a substitute teacher. His rapport with the students didn’t go unnoticed and he was offered the position as the new Commercial Art Instructor for the 1984 school year.

For 40 unforgettable years, Mr. Mano transformed blank canvases, empty classrooms, and the occasional broken stapler into masterpieces. Known equally for his artistic talent and his uncanny ability to fix literally anything (“Give me five minutes and some duct tape”), he has left an indelible mark on generations of students, staff, and unsuspecting light fixtures. Mr. Mano began his teaching career back when overhead projectors were cutting-edge technology and watercolor palettes were considered “high risk.” Since then, he has taught thousands of students not just how to draw, paint, and sculpt, but how to see the world a little differently. Between brushstrokes, Mr. Mano could always be found performing one of his famous magic tricks. Whether he was pulling a coin from behind a student’s ear or making their homework mysteriously disappear (“It’s an advanced form of illusion, trust me”), he kept the classroom filled with laughter and wonder. He was also known for his endless wisdom, often delivered through his signature sayings each one a mix of philosophy, dad joke, and cryptic life advice. (“Measure twice, paint once.” “If you can’t fix it, paint it.” “Art is 10% talent and 90% not panicking when it goes wrong.”) And when something broke from the kiln to the classroom clock, everyone knew who to call. Mr. Mano could repair anything with a screwdriver, a bit of wire, and pure determination. Rumor has it the school’s maintenance department once offered him honorary membership. After four decades of inspiring young artists, mending brushes and hearts alike, and sprinkling a little magic wherever he went. His legacy will live on in every student who learned that creativity is not about perfection, it’s about fnding beauty in the mess, humor in the mistakes, and maybe, just maybe, a little magic in every day.

Thank you, Mr. Mano, for 40 years of color, laughter, wisdom, and wonder.The world is brighter — and a lot more creative — because of you.