Norma Hardenburgh is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for her many contributions to education and volunteerism.
Norma grew up in Cohoes, graduating as salutatorian of her high school class in 1942. She graduated from Russell Sage cum laude majoring in Spanish, in 1946 and went on to graduate from Middlebury College in VT. with a Masters in Arts in Spanish in 1950.
Norma, or “Senorita” as she was affectionately known as by her students, taught Spanish and Latin at Van Rensselaer High School for 34 yrs.
Norma’s volunteerism earned her a “Senior Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Capital District Senior Issues Forum in 2014 and a Certificate of Appreciation from the NYS Office for the Aging “for her service and advocacy in the field of Education, that has improved the lives and well-being of older New Yorkers” in 2015. She did most of her volunteering through AARP, her churches, the Red Cross Blood Mobiles and assisting foreigners at the Mariners House in South Albany.
Norma is a 34-time Grand Circle traveler, beginning in 1980 and has traveled all over the world to 55 countries. She began her travel in 1960 with the USA and Canada. She also enjoys interior decorating, knitting and crocheting. At 92, she lives in Atria Guilderland, Senior Living facility in Slingerlands.
David Foust, class of 1971 is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for his coaching career achievements and for his generous support of students.
In high school, Dave was on yearbook staff, “Ram Blurr” staff, spent 2 yrs as a student council representative, was in Honor Society and was senior class president. He was in Varsity Club and Captain of all the Varsity athletic teams: football, basketball and baseball. He was recipient of the Most Valuable Player and Coach’s Awards.
Dave graduated college from Central Connecticut State University with a BS and MS in Education and post graduate work leading to a NYS School District Administrator certification from SUNY Albany.
Dave started his career in the Rensselaer School District in 1973 as a 2nd grade substitute teacher at Van Rensselaer Elementary School. He then turned to basketball and was very instrumental in building one of the most successful programs in Section II. This occurred by working tirelessly with Rensselaer youth to help them improve their basketball skills summers on the courts of Rensselaer and in the gyms at St. Joseph’s and St. John’s. In the fall and winter, Mr. Foust was busy with the CYO teams. He had a very short but successful career as the RHS Junior Varsity coach with teams at or near the top of the Patroon Conference. In his last year, the Rams posted a perfect 20-0 record. Dave was then appointed the new Varsity coach and took over for longtime coach John Mahar. His teams were again among the elite in the very competitive Patroon Conference. His teams also did very well in Class C and CC competition. In 1981, his team won the Patroon Conference championship.
After winning three consecutive Section II Class C championships, Dave was hired to be the new Athletic Director and Head Varsity basketball coach at Colonie High School, a Class A school in the Suburban Council. After several years, Dave left coaching to concentrate on his duties as Athletic Director. Under his direction, Colonie athletic teams were some of the very best in Section II. This level of excellence continued until his retirement in June of 2012.
Dave was nominated by his student and Hall of Famer, Barry Cavanaugh. Dave and his wife Sharon have two sons, Eric and Christopher. Dave and Sharon live in Averill Park.
