New Rochelle forensics teacher retires after 28 years with final field exam
NEW ROCHELLE, New York (WABC) -- On Tuesday, high school students fanned out across the woods in New Rochelle to investigate mock crime scenes-everything from staged shootings to simulated abductions-as part of the final exam in Scott Rubins' forensic science class.
The day marked a bittersweet milestone: Rubins is retiring after 28 years.
"This is my absolute favorite day of the year. There's nothing better. Even when it rains. It's my favorite day of the year," Rubins said. "So am I sad to leave this? 100%."
Students photographed evidence, took measurements and documented physical clues while real police officers evaluated their work. Among them was New Rochelle Police Department Officer Scott Wallach, who once took Rubins' class himself.
"He was always very passionate and always kept us on track and would not be shy if you were slacking," Wallach said. "And so he was a he was a good inspiration."
One challenge for students is time. Unlike real investigators, who can secure a crime scene for as long as necessary, the class has only an hour to complete its work.
"This kind of work, it takes hours really. It's very detailed," student Mia Valdovinos said. "You need very dedicated people to do the work, honestly."
Capt. Robert Smith of the Amtrak Police Department said watching the students' efforts come together is rewarding.
"It's phenomenal to see how this all comes together at the end and how proud everyone is to be here is amazing," he said.
Eyewitness News profiled Rubins in 2003, and he said his goal throughout his career has been to build students' critical thinking and communication skills.
"I have students that have become police officers and forensic scientists and special agents," he said. "Yeah, it's a pretty cool feeling."
As Rubins steps away from teaching, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue with the next generation of investigators.
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