Teachers Make A Difference Over the Decades

by Abbie Nagler Sender and Jillian White

Over the years, many CHHS teachers have been deemed impactful by students. Recently, Heights Schools Foundation invited responses to an alumni query about sharing memories of favorite educators. Overwhelmed with wonderful responses, only a fraction are included here. Enjoy reading these memories from alumni about teachers across the decades who have inspired former students well beyond the classroom. The right encouragement at the right time can stay with a student for a lifetime. Thank you to all mentioned throughout the project for their impactful work, and to all of today’s educators adapting to this pandemic life.

Delores Ballard (English)

"She was a phenomenal teacher that impacted generations. She taught my aunt, my sister, and me. She exposed us to Black literature and made us feel seen, heard, and valued. She allowed us to express ourselves creatively and shared her wisdom and life lessons in her teaching style. Her legacy at Heights was insurmountable." – Katrina DeCosta, 2006

Anthony BiFulco (Social Studies)

"Mr. BiFulco was the first teacher I ever had who taught history in a way that was both compelling and didn’t shy away from the ugly truths about our country’s history of racism, violent colonization, and oppression. His class shaped and informed my worldview and is one of the few classes I can actually recall specific content from, thanks to his animated storytelling and the way he pushed us to critically engage with history, rather than just recall dates and facts by rote." – Rachael Collyer, 2011

Thomas Englert (Mathematics)

"He was my home room teacher and he gave me the confidence that I could understand math, despite a couple of less than stellar teachers. That was a message I shared with many students once I became a guidance counselor." – Pete Scriven, 1967

Mary Gardner (Social Studies)

"Officially, Mary Gardner was my 12th grade social studies teacher for a class called Social Problems, but her impact extended well beyond that role. In class, we tackled difficult societal issues through books that still sit on my shelves and with open, honest and difficult discussion, sometimes with guests who gave a very real face to the topics. Mary exposed us to an awareness and respect of different perspectives to incorporate into our lives going forward…There was no question about Mary Gardner’s commitment to education which sometimes took place in the classroom, but many times not. To this day, Mary has remained an important influence in my life – as a teacher and a friend." – Sherri Appleton, 1975

Sven Eric Hammar (Social Studies)

"Mr. Hammar stands out in my memory because he treated his students as (young) adults and respected our budding ability to think critically. One day he wrote on the blackboard, 'There is no such thing as Truth.' 55 years later I am still grappling with the meaning and layered implications of that simple statement. That lesson was a lifelong gift." – Bruce Ente, 1967

Dr. Lois Hutchings (Biology)

"Dr. Hutchings loved Biology in every way--and showed her students how to do the same. She taught us to draw what we see, label what we draw, use correct terms, identify function, and shake hands with our diagram to get left and right in order. There are other memorable and good teachers. Somehow, though, they were imitations. Lois M. Hutchings was the real deal. Her impact on me? I got a Ph.D. in Biology." – Gary Ellis, PhD, 1972, HOF 1986

Dr. Clair Thomas McElfresh (Vocal Music)

"Dr. McElfresh was unusually demanding, so much so that some students avoided him. Despite the fact that CHHS was a non-specialized, public high school, teachers set high bars for excellence such as one might only expect to encounter in a dedicated High School for the Arts, if that, or even a college setting." – Robert Simon, 1972

Miss Ruth Monett (French)

"She immersed us in French learning, to the point that she did not allow us to speak in English. Whenever we slipped into English, she would say, “Je ne spick pas English!” To this day, I am able to carry on a conversation in French, thanks to that initial immersion." – Anne Hooper Webb, 1965

Mr. Nachman (Engineering)

"I’d like to thank Mr. Nachman for inspiring me to study engineering. Now, in part because of the education I received from teachers like Mr. Nachman, I’m studying Materials Engineering in university." – Sylvie Crowell, 2019

Dr. Dina Rees Evans (English)

"She was in charge of Heights Players and I had her for English also. She was very caring and helpful and gave her own time to help and drive students." – Erika Taubner Gold, 1952, HOF 2019

Dr. Leatrice Rabinsky (English And Holocaust Studies)

"She was a true pioneer in the area of Holocaust education in public school in the 1970s… Dr. Rabinsky was a tough but fair teacher. She had a ‘no-nonsense’ approach in her classroom and she had high expectations for every student who was part of her class(es). Dr. Rabinsky also understood the value of having students personally meet and engage with Holocaust Survivors and with these encounters she greatly enhanced the lives of both groups…The truth be told, my experiences with Dr. Rabinsky got me more ‘grounded’ at Heights during my senior year and kept the athletic success I was experiencing as part of the basketball team in perspective. I can remember that my college application essays were mainly about my intellectual and emotional growth that came about through her class. Lastly, the honor Dr. Rabinsky bestowed upon me to be a speaker at the community-wide Warsaw Ghetto Memorial event in the spring of 1976 served as a springboard for my desire to further study the Holocaust… and for the past 10 years I have taught the ‘Lessons of the Holocaust’ at Heights High…I owe a lot to the late Dr. Rabinsky and think of her often." – Mark Sack, 1976, JD

Dr. Rosalind Rehor (English)

"She inspired love of literature and promoted clear and organized expression with love of the language". – Itzhak (Jack) Rosner, 1967

Sylvia Stewart (English)

"I have had a lifelong love of Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays thanks to Ms. Stewart’s English class. She made the work come alive with students playing parts and reading aloud. She helped us understand that challenging text is worth the struggle." – Julianna Johnston Senturia, 1987

George Strickling (Vocal Music)

"He expected perfection in dress, stance and attitude. I often refer to his “you hear but you don’t listen” admonishment. Our spring vacation choir trips allowed me to experience the very different south in 1961 and the New York City area in 1962. Traveling with classmates solidified life-long friendships as well as my marriage. When we graduated, a required “Swan song” speech under the choir room clock gave us poise." – Beverly Guttman Schenker, 1963

William Tarter (English)

"He helped me to get on the right path as far as my school work." – Rynton Wanton 1977

Barbara Townsend (Advisor)

"Ms. Townsend was my student council advisor at Heights High. We really got to bond my junior and senior year at Heights and she became a second mom to me. When she learned that I had a daughter, she was one of the few teachers or administrators at Heights that actually saw me as more than another teen mom and statistic. Mrs. Townsend helped me to develop my leadership, communication, advocacy and parenting skills… She spoke life into me and did everything to make sure I not only graduated from Heights but made it to college… I will forever be grateful for her love and kindness." – Dr. Carmen Daniel 2007

Deborah Turner (Social Studies)

"She taught us to stand on our word and that the truth will withstand scrutiny, but a lie, no matter how skillfully crafted, will wilt and wither under the intense heat of an inspection. This was not her quote but it made a huge impact." – Desi Stewart, 1997

Bernice Van Sickle (Journalism)

"Her journalism class opened the door for me that led to a successful career in newspapers." – Dennis Shere, 1959, HOF 1988

Shawn Washington (Social Studies)

"Ms. Washington has been such a supportive mentor to me. I feel lucky to have teachers like her, who not only believe in students’ ability to succeed, but also provide encouragement and guidance along the way." – Ashley Bandy, 2022