Paramus High School - Delphian Yearbook (Paramus, NJ)

Page 15 text:

Mr. George W. Hodgins Retirement comes but once in a lifetime, and a man as praise¬ worthy as Mr. George W. Hodgins is not allowed to leave his job without fanfare. To make it an extra-special celebration, a party was planned to coincide with his birthday, November 11, 1970. Even Dr. Dunn, as busy as he is, made sure that he was in on the preparations, to help make the affair a gala occasion. After nearly 1000 guests had gathered in the festive dining room of the Neptune Inn, Paramus, N. J., Dr. William V. Dunn, Acting Superintendent of Schools, welcomed everyone, especially, of course, the guest of honor. The Rev. Mahlon H. Smith of Roselle, N. J., offered the invocation. Reminiscing and joking took place through¬ out the meal that followed. After dinner, Mr. Hodgins sat back and enjoyed the Command Performance, which was actually a total surprise to him. Usually Mr. Hodgins is called upon to provide entertainment, but this night his role was to be that of spectator. Because of the combined efforts and enthusiasm of colleagues, former students, and members of the Board of Education, the show, Reliving Memories of George W. Hodgins was a smashing success. Mrs. A. McClellan, woodwind teacher at the high school, wrote the hit song, the words of which were just perfect, said one of the Guidance secretaries, Mrs. M. Robinson. Not to be outdone, the Board of Education created a new image for itself when the men sang, Tip-Toe Through the Tulips. (Can you imagine that?!) Another show stopper was the act of the Ladies of the Office. Paramus never realized what potential talent it harbors! Being a real old-fashioned birthday party, the affair was not over until Mr. Hodgins unwrapped his many gifts. Amid oohs and ahs, jokes and tears, he opened the presents, each decorated to please a king. It was Paramus ' way to say, Thank you, and best wishes, to the man who is a true founding father of the town ' s educational system, which now ranks among the best in the country. To best describe the sentiment of Mr. Hodgins ' guests, the following poem is reprinted from the birthday booklet and menu used as place cards. TO GEORGE W. HODGINS, TEACHER For twenty-five years you have taught us. And you have taught us all ... Children in your classroom, Teachers in your school, Workers on your staff, Neighbors on your block, Townsmen of all Paramus. You have taught us well Because you have taught with your heart. You have built not of timber and stone, But what we have learned from you Will endure far longer. You have built of truth and love And what you have built Will live forever in our minds and hearts. You have taught us That the truth shall make us free, That with love in our hearts, We shall know the dignity and worth Of all men. And so, as you end your twenty-fifth year As our teacher, Ail Paramus pauses to salute you, George W. Hodgins, teacher. — Walter T. Wittman, March 17, 1956 What ' s in a name? Mr. George W. Hodgins points to the former title, Farview School, which is now known as the George W. Hodgins School. 11

Page 14 text:

Paramus Pauses To Praise • • • MR. GEORGE W. HODG1NS AND FAMILY Back Row: Mr. George W. Hodgins, Jr., son; Mrs. George W. Hodgins, Jr., daughter-in-law; Mrs. Kevin Behnke, daughter; Mr. Kevin Behnke, son-in-law. Front Row: Mr. George W. Hodgins, guest of honor; Mrs. George W. Hodgins, wife; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Brauer, parents of Mrs. George W. Hodgins. In 1931, Mr. George W. Hodgins graduated from Montclair State College. Now, in a sense, he is graduating again, this time moving into the private life of retirement. Ever since his first year as a teacher at Farview School, Mr. Hodgins has worked for the Paramus system. H stands for humor, O for originality, D of course means dedication, G for generosity, I represents all-round interest, N for nobleness, and S stands for sincerity. Such are the outstanding characteristics of Mr. Hodgins; those that have helped him and Paramus. One particularly remarkable trait is his love of children. Looking back over his career, Mr. Hodgins has said that his favorite years were spent teaching the eighth grade at Farview School. Those kids must have great memories of their year in his class because Mr. Hodgins had a penchant for relaxing a serious atmosphere with a favorite story or joke, or, when he was in an extremely happy mood, a song just could not be held in! Even though retirement from school life has come, the name of George W. Hodgins will carry on. This is best exemplified by the George W. Hodgins Chapter of the National Honor Society in the high school. Most recently, the former Farview School has been renamed the George W. Hodgins School. It is a rare occurrence, indeed, and a sign of high honor when a dedication is presented while the person is still living. Other honors include a citation that was presented to Mr. Hodgins in 1965 from the Board of Education, and the New Jersey State Federation of the Paramus Jaycees selected the Superintendent as the Outstanding Citizen, and the Italian American Society named him Citizen of the Year in 1965. Though anonymous, a grateful resident thought of an even better title for Mr. Hodgins: Mr. Paramus Education. Everyone was quite surprised to learn of Mr. Hodgins ' retirement plans. Most of the town was expecting their good fortune to continue until Mr. Hodgins was at least 100. Yes, it is true that everything good must come to an end. Now Paramus residents, faculty, administration, and students must work and hope to find someone to continue the pace and plans of an energetic, entertaining educator worthy of the happiest, most peaceful retirement years possible. It is with this wish that Paramus High School would like to pause to say, fondly, Farewell, to Mr. George W. Hodgins. 10 A Mend to the end! Dr. William V. Dunn and Mr. George W. Hodgins engage in conversation at the birthday dinner. Au Revoir and Farewell! Mr. George W. Hodgins and his wife, Dorothea, take their leave of Paramus High School.

Page 16 text:

Administration ... It ' s the Principals That Count! Mr. Joseph P. McDonough, Principal As the principal, Mr. Joseph P. McDonough has the position of making all the final decisions relative to the successful opera¬ tion of Paramus High School. Mr. McDonough evaluates each member of the faculty, meets weekly with the department chairmen, and attends many night¬ time functions, whether a sports event, a social occasion, a special performance, or a Parent Council meeting. Mr. John LeRose, one of the two vice-principals, now has two offices to help coordinate the main building with the addition. In charge of discipline , Mr. LeRose is also responsible for the overseeing of the budgets of the various organizations, and for ordering all of the audio-visual equipment used in the school. Mr. Michael A. Azzolino, the other vice-principal, has the huge task of scheduling the programs of the students and making any adjustments which may arise. It is impossible to explain in a few paragraphs the task with which the administration must wrestle. Directing a school of 1800 students is a 25-hour job. Thus it is the principals that count. Mr. John J. LeRose, Vice-Principal Mr. Michael A. Azzolino, Vice-Principal 12