DEA, VFW honor top teachers

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May 23, 2008

DERRY — Several veteran teachers in the district were recognized for their many years of service and unfailing dedication to their students.

The Derry School Board recognized two teachers at its meeting last week, chosen as Veterans of Foreign Wars Teacher of the Year recipients. The VFW honors a middle school and elementary educator every year.

Grinnell Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Pat Hood, and West Running Brook Middle School seventh-grade language arts teacher Glenda Schubert received the VFW honors this year.

Grinnell principal Mary Hill said Hood was a "pillar" of the Grinnell community, and had taught for about 25 years.

"She is a team player and a true professional," Hill said.

Hood was instrumental in developing the Wee Deliver program at Grinnell, Hill added, and also supported the school's Kids Care Club and PTA. Hood will retire from the district at the end of this year.

"But her true love of children will carry on," Hill said. "I wish I could clone her."

Hood said even though she faces retirement soon, she plans to volunteer to be a mentor for new teachers entering the district next year.

West Running Brook's assistant principal Lorrie Belinsky said Schubert was also very deserving of the VFW teacher award, approaching her teaching with great passion. Schubert said she was very surprised to be honored.

The Derry Education Association (DEA) also honored its Teacher of the Year during the group's annual spring meeting last week. A pair of veteran teachers took the top honors.

Ernest P. Barka Elementary first-grade teacher Susan DiMarzio, and Cynthia Heenan, a first-grade teacher at Derry Village School, shared the award. Both will retire at the end of this year.

"We chose two teachers this year, and both are retiring this year," said DEA president Meg Morse-Barry, adding DiMarzio and Heenan are great friends planning to enjoy retirement by traveling together.

"I couldn't be retiring with a better friend," Heenan said, adding collectively the two teachers have taught more than 45 years in the district.

The DEA also awarded South Range Elementary teacher Susan Carrier with its Friend of Education award.