by Bea Peterson
Each year in observance of Founders’ Day, PTAs across the country pay tribute to their founders and past PTA leaders by recognizing someone who carries on the tradition of making an outstanding contribution to the well being of children and youth. This year the Hoosick Falls Central School PTA honored retiring AIS math teacher Helen Hemendinger, who exemplifies the tradition of those founders.
Mrs. Hemendinger taught second grade for 23 years and has taught remedial math for the past 14. She has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Reading and another Masters in Math. In introducing her, PTA President Margaret Stevens said her daughter told her that she didn’t like math, but she liked doing math with Mrs. Hemendinger.
Mrs. Hemendinger was recommended by HFCS sixth grade teacher Traci Friel.
In her letter of recommendation she wrote that Mrs. Hemendinger was her second grade teacher and, “through her guidance and care, inspired me to become the teacher that I am today.” She added that since her first year at HFCS she has depended on Helen as a mentor. “Over her teaching career, she has never forgotten that one of the first loves of a teacher is the love of learning.”
Margaret Stevens added that HFCS is a small tight knit community and all of the teachers are going to miss Mrs. Hemendinger next year.
Margaret Hemendinger chose to give the $100 she was awarded to the Courtney Carelli Foundation for Literacy. “Last year Hoosick Falls benefited from the Foundation,” she said. “After the Book Fair, no child went home without a book.” Courtney’s parents Rosie and Tony Carelli and her grandfather, Bill Nugent were on hand to congratulate Mrs. Hemendinger and accept the donation.
Mrs. Hemendinger is not slowing down in retirement. She said she wants to stay involved in teaching, conducting workshops for teachers or teaching a course or two, perhaps in Massachusetts or Vermont.