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- Category: Hall of Fame
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MARCIA LEHNER is being induced posthumously for her service in WW II, her long and respected career as a Jr High Math teacher in the RCSD and her service on the Board of Education. Mrs Lehner, the former Marcia Yaggle, graduated from St John’s Academy in Rensselaer in 1935, and from the College of St Rose in 1939, magna cum laude. She attained her Master’s degree from State Teachers College and became a captain in the Marine Corps, serving in WWII in Washington DC. She taught mathematics at the junior high/ middle school level from 1941-77, and after retirement served as a member of the Board of Education from 1979-90. Marcia passed away in 2011. Marcia was married to Joseph Lehner and had one son, Mark, both of whom predeceased her. They were life-long residents of Rensselaer. Marcia’s daughter-in-law Annette Lehner is here tonight to accept her plaque.
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LOUIS H DUTCHER is being inducted posthumously for his academic achievements, his career of 40 yrs with the Rensselaer School System and his community leadership. Louis graduated as salutatorian of the RHS class of 1924. He was president of his class and received the highest average for all four years, also receiving four awards at graduation: French, Latin, Math and History. He was on the basketball team as well. He married his high school sweetheart and went to Wesleyan College on a scholarship. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa (the most prestigious honor society in the US) in 1928 and his one year old daughter Jean went to his graduation. He attained a Masters Degree from State Teachers College (now SUNYA). He began his long career teaching Math in 1930 at School 3, later becoming Principal there and after that, at Van Rensselaer, until his death in 1970. He died prematurely at the age of 64. He was a trustee at the First United Methodist Church and chairman of the finance committee for 40 yrs as well. He belonged to the Greenbush Lodge/Masons and was treasurer of their dart league and secretary of the bowling league. He was also on the Chamber of Commerce. In his leisure, besides darts and bowling, he like fishing, antiquing, and playing poker and pinochle. Louis was born on Green Street in Rensselaer and later moved to Eastland Park where he and his wife, the former Elizabeth Gibson, raised their three daughters. Louis’ grandchildren are here tonight to accept his award.
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- Category: Hall of Fame
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JAMES R. COCHRAN is being inducted for his long career as a teacher in the RCSD, his dedication to going beyond “just” teaching, and his community service. Jim is a class of 1966 alumnus of Van Rensselaer High School and holds a Master’s degree from Siena College. He began teaching in 1971, the first year at the “new” school, Rensselaer Jr-Sr High School. He taught high school English and was a “moral compass” for his students, always there to listen, guide, and advise. He brought theater classes and productions back to the program, he coached girls’ basketball and tennis and was advisor to Key Club and National Honor Society. With Key Club, he lead several Christmas city-wide food drives. He had two year-books dedicated to him as a testimony to the appreciation the students had for his devotion and professionalism. He was also made an honorary life-member of the PTA. Well respected by his fellow teachers, staff and administrators, he served as a valued negotiator for the Rensselaer Teachers’ Association for many years. Jim has also volunteered at Equinox at Thanksgiving, runs for charity fund-raises and helps many elderly neighbors with housekeeping and cores. Jim dedicated 32 yrs to teaching.