Most people know the friendly, easy-going teacher with a passion for history and economics as Mr. Andrew LaLuzerne. Within his a classroom adorned with historical maps and old propaganda posters, he gives lively lectures about everything from the Protestant Reformation to the global oil market.

Nobody pays attention to his left hand.

Most of LaLuzerne’s students lack knowledge of a fateful Sunday in 2010, when he and his friends were enjoying a hot Memorial Day weekend by going out on the water in a pontoon boat.

He explains that some of his friends are swimming in the water, and he decides to jump in.

“Somehow, my left pinkie finger got wedged in the door of the boat and got yanked right off.”

Days after the accident, he is at the hospital to get stitches. While there, the doctor tells him something that sticks with him ever since. “The doctor told me that he had some clients who can’t work anymore because of injuries like mine.”

He admits that advice really made him think about injuries like this and his valued profession

When people have injuries like LaLuzerne’s, their lives change forever. Many forever lose a favorite hobby or job. Not LaLuzerne, who has refused to let this injury stop his passion for teaching.

Although he jokes:  “I know not to jump off a pontoon boat” to illustrate his jovial personality, he continues to enlighten the students of Room 511.

Ten fingers or not, Andrew LaLuzerne still loves economics and history — nothing can stop him from sharing this passion with students around the school.