A Tribute To Mrs. Helen Foreman
Mrs. Foreman was a teacher in the Beaverdale High School in Beaverdale, Pennsylvania. She resided in Johnstown about twenty miles from Beaverdale. Her commute from her home to Beaverdale during the Laurel Highlands' winters was a sign of her dedication to her profession. She taught Commercial Subjects in the Business Training curriculum such as typing, bookkeeping, sales, etc. This curriculum was designed to prepare students who elected to not attend college for employment after graduation.
I was on the staff of the school newspaper as a typist. In my Junior year I was the Head Typist of our paper. Her guidance and inspiration showed me what is required to complete a task. In my Senior year I was the Editor of our school Year Book which we compiled and printed in her class room. Our Year Book was not produced commercially.
During my Senior year I was a typical teenager who thought he knew just about everything. Early in our task of producing the Year Book I was often socializing in the hall instead of working on the book with the staff in the classroom. Mrs.. Foreman had a talk with me and pointed out the importance of doing the job assigned. Since I was absent a lot of the time, the other staff members could not complete their work. Mrs. Foreman showed me that it is very important to complete your assigned task and complete the job because other people are depending on you. She also instilled in me that it takes a lot of effort and time to do a good job. She gave me the option of resigning or staying with the staff. She made me realize the importance of this position and its influence on my future, so I opted to stay with the staff. As a result we completed the Year Book and I was given an award for Journalism from the local Lion’s Club upon graduation.
Mrs. Foreman was also a kind compassionate woman who showed sympathy for those less fortunate than her. Her classroom was next to the elementary classes and she befriended some children from a large poor family. She learned of the children’s siblings and what they were receiving for Christmas. Realizing that this family would not have much for merriment Mrs. Foreman purchased gifts for all the children of the family. She asked me if I wanted to play Santa Claus by delivering several large boxes of toys and clothes to this family but I was not permitted to reveal where they came from. So I borrowed my dad’s car and enlisted a friend to assist me. We delivered these gifts and watched the joy in the eyes of the children.
Mrs. Foreman’s influence on me proved to be a valuable asset for my career and life.
Submitted by George "Sonny" Stupi formerly of Beaverdale |