Columbus without 'The Shark?'

May 28, 2026 - 18:17

After almost six decades of service, Brother Kevin Handibode is retiring from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Known to generations of students as a constant presence, Handibode held more roles at the school than any other staff member in its history. He taught classes, coached teams, and served as a spiritual guide, becoming a quiet pillar of the institution.

Handibode arrived at Columbus in the 1960s and never left. Over the years, he worked as a teacher, a guidance counselor, and an administrator. He also led the school's campus ministry program, helping shape the character of thousands of young men. Colleagues describe him as a steady hand who remembered names and faces long after students graduated.

His retirement marks the end of an era for the school, which often referred to him as "The Shark" for his tenacity and longevity. Students and alumni have shared stories of his tough but fair approach, his willingness to listen, and his deep commitment to the school's mission. Handibode's departure leaves a gap that will be hard to fill, but his influence will remain in the halls he walked for nearly 60 years.