RSU 34 declares Pops Day, celebrating 5 decades of mentorship

OLD TOWN, Maine (WABI) - Over the intercom at Old Town High School Wednesday morning, Athletic Director Jeremy Bousquet announced that Jan. 28 marked a new holiday for RSU 34: Pops Day.

In 1976, William Mangum III, better known as Pops, began working for the RSU 34 district under a unique title: mentor.

“Basically, I’m a good listener,” Mangum says of his duties. “I ask a couple questions about how they’re doing, how they’re feeling and just try to make their day as bright as possible.”

Leonard Middle School Principal Jeanna Tuell has been working alongside Pops for decades. She points to Pops’ sharp suits and the way he treats all kids with respect to understand his popularity.

“When we find a student that is in need, for a variety of reasons, that’s where Pops does his magic,” Tuell describes. “He just finds what that student is missing or is that ear that he can listen to their problems or the issues that they’re having.”

Bousquet has worked with Pops for eight years, calling him a “calming force” in school: “He does a great job of calming our kids and getting them to work through problems and work through life.”

After 50 years of uplifting students, RSU 34 reciprocated to celebrate his anniversary.

In both the middle and high school, students lined the halls to cheer him on as he walked by. His walk received a musical accompaniment, thanks to the high school band.

“Everybody was excited to get together, and he’s so unique with his bow ties that the kids were excited about making those in art class, and making cards and the sign in the hallway,” comments Tuell.

RSU 34 admin also gifted Pops his very own Coyotes Super Bowl ring.

This gift was something special, Bousquet explains. Every morning, Pops would admire the State Championship rings the athletic director displayed in his office. After hearing Pops’ wish of owning a ring like that, he says he knew exactly what to get him.

“That’s an incredible feat to celebrate, to put out there, to show the kids that you can be dedicated to something that long. You can find something that you love and you can stick with it and be impactful with it,” Bousquet says of the 5 decade anniversary.

What’s been the best part of these 5 decades? For Pops, the impact on his students and the community.

“I think my role is important because the students are important to me. It’s a feeling of joy knowing I made a difference,” Pops says. “I’m not in their life their whole life, but the impact I made is very serious and very sincere, and I appreciate that.”

As for retirement, Pops says he has no plans of slowing down! Every day, he says he wakes up excited to get in his suit and help students.

While he began mentoring at RSU 34 schools, Pops says word of his work spread to neighboring districts. Now, he visits schools in RSU 63, Hampden and more.

A University of Maine alumni, Pops also offered coaching to the basketball team.