Brian Tibbets, a Latin teacher at Monmouth-Roseville High School for the last six years, was honored by his peers at the annual Illinois Classical Conference last weekend at Augustana College.

The conference, established in 1937, named Tibbets as its Illinois Classical Conference Latin Teacher of the Year.

The internal nominating process, by conference members, takes place during the summer and the winner's name is closely guarded until a few weeks before the annual meeting, said MRHS Principal, Jeff Bryan.

“Our school was notified Tibbets had won the honor about a month ago. I notified his wife and asked her if she could keep a secret,” he said.

The high school had to prepare and submit a biography. Others who needed to be present were also notified and sworn to secrecy.

Tibbets earned his degree in Latin and Greek from Knox College. He credits his professor, Brenda Fineberg, and her husband, Steve, for renewing his love of the Latin language. Tibbets said its structure and form tie the English and Latin cultures together through its use in law, engineering, architecture and medicine.

The Finebergs attended the conference, along with M-R Superintendent Martin Payne, Bryan, Tibbet's wife, Megan, and their daughter, Clara, who will be 2 in December.

They were sequestered in an adjoining banquet room until the Conference President Emerita, Vicki Wine, began reading the winner's biography.

“I sat there in stunned silence while each detail kept sounding more and more familiar,” Tibbets said. “I went to the conference in charge of setting up a book exhibit. It started sinking in that I was about to receive this prestigious award and I felt humbled beyond words.

"As I stood there receiving my plaque, I scanned the room and saw all of the wonderful people I have worked with and admire so much. I thought about all of their outstanding achievements and I began wondering how I was ever even considered for such an honor," he added.

What makes his selection even more astounding is that MRHS is the smallest school in the state of Illinois to offer a four-year Latin program.

“Believe me, we know how fortunate we are to have Brian with us,” Bryan said. “The smaller class size allows him to give his students almost one-on-one attention.”

Tibbets gets especially excited when his four-year students — he has about a half dozen this year — are exposed to authentic Latin text. During his class Thursday, students were translating “Cicero.”

“I don't expect them to get it word-perfect. Loose translation is acceptable as long as they convince me they are understanding the full concept of the context,” he said.

Monmouth College Professor of Classics Tom Sienkewicz is a friend and mentor who has also had an effect on Tibbet's career.

“He works tirelessly to promote and inspire classic teachers. I have surrounded myself with some amazing people who deserve to share this honor with me,” he said.