WHS math teacher Mr. Collins has a story behind his facial hair. He made a bet with a student that if the student earned a B or better in his class then Mr. Collins would shave his beard. The incentive worked. Mr. Collins now sports a mustache, although he claims it wasn’t part of the deal.

Behind the goofiness of making such a deal, is Mr. Collins’ dedication to his job and his care for the students. Teaching is in his blood as he comes from a family of teachers. His mom was a teacher, his grandfather was a principal, and his grandmother was a teacher. He is the only math teacher of the group. Yet interestingly, Mr. Collins wasn’t always involved in education.

For 19 years Mr. Collins worked in business before he decided to pursue a teaching career. He always liked math and earned his degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Engineering.

Before he became a teacher at Westborough High School, he was a student there. That is also where he got another inspiration for his future career. This came from his math teacher Mr. Lightbody.

In high school, Mr. Collins also enjoyed lifelong hobbies like sports. He earned varsity letters in basketball, football, track, and cross-country. He also held the high school high jump record until his brother broke it. This led Mr. Collins to play basketball in college and inspired him to run the Boston marathon.

One of the most noble services Mr. Collins and his family provide is their home for foster care. They have taken care of 53 children over the years and at one time Mr. Collins had five kids living with him at once.

Mr. Collins is an engaged and active member of his community and is very interested in his job and helping people in general. And let’s say, he does a fantastic job!