Severn School to Honor ‘Doc’ Heslin with Memorial

Severn School students past and present as well as community members can gather at the school on August 23 to honor a beloved Latin teacher who died last month. 

Thomas “Doc” Heslin was killed July 17 while riding his bike in Severna Park. Heslin was a teacher with Severn School for 27 years. In addition to teaching Latin, he was a venerated swimming and golf coach, and director of the Italian Exchange program. 

The memorial service will offer an opportunity for those who wish to celebrate the life of an inspiring teacher.

“We just wanted to do something to follow-up as a community because Doc has meat a lot to a lot of people around Severn,” said Alumni Director Tyler Larkin. “We wanted to do something at the school to remember him—more of a celebration of life.”

Larkin, who graduated from Severn School in 2003, was recently named the school’s Alumni Director. Larkin said he never had Heslin as a teacher, but he was his swim coach at the Severn River Swim Club.

Since Heslin’s passing, community members young and old have come forward with memories and lessons they Heslin taught them both in and outside of the classroom.

“We just wanted to come together as Severn and the community around us," Larkin said. “We are offering an open community venue where people can come in and remember Doc.”

During the ceremony, Severn School Headmaster Doug Lagarde will speak, along with students and faculty. Larkin said refreshments will be served.

The memorial service is open to the entire community, not just Severn School. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP.

The Doc Heslin memorial service will be held August 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Severn School’s McCleary Student Center. For more information, click here.