Paramus High School - Delphian Yearbook (Paramus, NJ)

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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

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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

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In Appreciation: Our Commendation Teachers find that the demands put on their spirits, patience, and security are often tremendous, and the re¬ wards are often few and far between. However, it is the small, inconspicuous gestures that count in life, and living by this philosophy most teachers manage to pursue their profession happily, trying their best to instruct, live, and learn from each student. Following is an excerpt from a personal letter written to Mrs. Colnaghi by a former student. Sharing it, she will be able to help another teacher find the strength to con¬ tinue through a particularly trying time of his or her career. It seems I ' m always coming to you when I need ad¬ vice or guidance. Seven years ago, when I was seriously considering leaving teaching because of a very bad experi¬ ence in student teaching, it was your deep kindness and encouragement that helped me to go on to six very happy years of teaching at Bergenfield. Who is Mrs. Colnaghi? If ten people were asked this question, it is predictable that there would be ten answers. To many students and teachers she is a bottomless spring of both inspirational and practical ideas. Whenever a club is in need of a project, or a teacher has a problem too complicated to handle, Mrs. Colnaghi ' s calm and experi¬ ence are always available to help reach a solution. For years she has been the organizer of the school ' s datebook, the schedule of school activities, assuming the responsibility for the most general to the finishing touches for assemblies and graduation. Her efforts in behalf of the Student Council have added that little extra umph that has been helpful in convincing a teacher or administrator of the merit of a par ticular proposal. It is this uncere¬ monious dedication, characteristic of Mrs. Colnaghi, that has aided our complex school to function smoothly. Before becoming assistant principal, Mrs. Colnaghi was an English teacher, first in Garfield, then in Paramus. Her love for the subject, combined with her fund of patience, made her an exceptional teacher for average and slow- learners. Though she has now left the classroom, her in¬ terest in these students is still a deep one. Everyone is aware that Mrs. Colnaghi is responsible for recording attendance, but few realize that she is also con¬ cerned with the personal needs and well-being of the student body. She has had many personal conferences with students, worked diligently to arrange a paying job for someone in need, and spent many hours guiding graduates who needed advice about their future plans. To request to speak to Mrs. Colnaghi is to know that her undivided attention will be yours. Not only does Mrs. Colnaghi ' s concern cover Paramus High School; it is spread throughout the county. One might say that she worries about her community as deeply as other women worry about their families. Aside from accomplishing her demanding school duties, she has found the time to work with a YMCA, the Paramus Elks, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, the Chamber of Commerce, American Field Service, the Parent Teacher ' s Association, and the American Association of University Women. Sometimes the activities are of a serious matter; but other involvement is bright and light. During her first year as a teacher in this high school, Mrs. Colnaghi faced the foot¬ lights in the Scholarship Show production of Arsenic and Old Lace. She played one of the sisters while Mr. McDonough was the senile brother. Mrs. Anna T. Colnaghi Assistant Principal Being able to mix business with fun is part of Mrs. Colnaghi ' s charisma and the reason for her success. Though a typical day is exceptionally busy, she manages to make each pleasant or comical, even under the most tense situations. She is known for being able to recount the funniest stories about human nature when the world seems its gloomiest. The door to her office is always open, and a chair is waiting to be filled by anyone who needs a warm, resourceful person to talk to or listen to. On the eve of her retirement, it is quite likely that Mrs. Colnaghi will admit that she will not miss administering late slips, detaining cutters, or trying to keep the cafeteria cleaner. However, she will definitely miss the close con¬ tact with teachers and students that has always held the value of her job, and the pace of school and community life to which she was so well adjusted. Her retirement does not mean a complete withdrawal from activities, however. Her immediate plans are to continue with active membership in AAUW, through which she can continue her contribution to education and community work. It is witli sadness that these words are printed, for they mark the departure of a woman who has been a veritable treasure to the high school. For such dedication there is no substitute, and in place of such a personality there will be a void. It is with great respect that the Delphian staff recognizes Mrs. Colnaghi, and would like to wish her the utmost happiness for the future.