Mr., no, Dr. Tsugawa

Mr. Sam Tsugawa, orchestra teacher at SJHS, mysteriously disappeared one Friday in October leaving his students in confusion. “Where is he?” seemed to be the general talk around the orchestra room. The following school day, Mr. Tsugawa told of his journey to St. George. He told his classes that he had gone to a conference to discuss getting his doctorate degree.

Christopher Taylor, a cellist and student of Mr. Tsugawa’s, said “It’s really cool that he is getting his degree. I didn't think it was possible, but it may even help him become a better teacher than he already is.”

Before he gets his degree, Mr. Tsugawa has to write a dissertation. Some students asked, “What is a dissertation?” To put it plainly, it’s a book-sized report. In some doctoral programs, the dissertation may take years of full-time work to complete.

So if you see Mr. Tsugawa in the hallway, be sure to wish him luck. He may need it.