A popular technology teacher at Edward Little High School has died.

Nick Chovanes, 51, had cancer. According to the Auburn School Department, he had a wife and three young children.

Chovanes taught at Minot Consolidated School before joining Edward Little several years ago.

“He was like a pied piper,” Principal James H. Miller III said Wednesday. “The kids just loved his class. He was an extremely bright man. He could do anything. He did great things in education — some very creative things. He did a lot with technology and media.”

Chovanes worked even while he was sick, inspiring students with his creativity and sense of humor.   

“He had tremendous drive and spirit,” Superintendent Tom Morrill said. “He was a very bright and articulate man. There was a special drive there to be at school and be with those kids, and laugh and enlighten. He showed great, great courage.”

A Facebook page was created in Chovanes’ honor. By Wednesday afternoon, more than 730 people had joined the memorial page, many of them current or former students.

“You were one of my favorite teachers and I always enjoyed talking to you, even when it was just a quick hello in the hallway, I will never forget you,” wrote Jared Serpico, an ’09 graduate of EL. “Our hearts go out to the family who he talked so much about, and fought so hard for.”

Matt Daigle, Class of ’08 wrote: “I remember taking a summer class he taught during my junior year/senior year. Easily one of the funnest times I’ve had, he always helped, always had a kind word, and even though I hated the Mentor block at school, the fact he was the teacher who supervised us was awesome, as he was laid back, hilarious and just a great person overall. Definitely a huge shock for me, and he will be missed.”

School officials described the loss of Chovanes as a personal blow, as well as a professional one. A valued teacher was lost, they said.

“It was an honor to know him and have had him in the system,” Morrill said. “He was a great guy and he made a difference.”

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