and mentor
I wanted to take a few moments to say how deeply saddened I am to hear of Mary Hawks’ passing. Mary made me a better writer, a more critical reader, and an excellent editor. She also shared her love for the classics, music, and art. I prized most of all our mutual adoration of Robert Frost’s poetry. Mary Hawks’ living legacy is her students, and now their children, all enriched by her life-long dedication to Bement. I have yet to meet a woman quite like her. How lucky we all were to know her!
Miss Hawks was a true lady. She was kind, she loved the kids and the faculty, and she always remembered something special about every person she met. I did not have Miss Hawks as a teacher but in my adult years I had the pleasure of seeing her again a few times. I will miss her warm smiles and insightful conversations. Women like Miss Hawks are a rare breed of lady. The joy Miss Hawks brought to so many lives will truly be her legacy. Linda Gross Schutzman’83
Patrick Davis’93
Our deepest sympathy to Miss Hawks’ family. She taught three members of the Clagett/ McLennan family. We all learned a lot from Miss Hawks. Stephanie McLennan’85 I was in her class the first day she began teaching at Bement, circa Nov. 1, 1954 (she took over the second and third grades). That was a piece of luck. Rick Robinson’60 My father had Miss Hawks as a teacher when he was a student at Bement, and I had the pleasure of meeting her while I worked there. She was a dear woman, and a powerful educator. She will be missed. Schuyler Bogel PF ’01-03
I was in class with her in the library as she took roll call. Each student responding to their name with a “here” or “yup.” When Miss Hawks read my name, I announced “present.” I saw her beam, she liked that, and with one look she made me feel very special that day. She had taught me so much, but more importantly, she had touched my heart. She was truly a special women who will be missed.
Ms. Hawks was a lifelong learner. She had an eye for talent, and she insisted upon excellent, solid work from all her students. She will be remembered well. Jennifer Montgomery Bethlenfalvay’68
Ms. Hawks was one of the finest educators I ever had the honor of studying with. She challenged and encouraged us, not just to be good students but to be thinkers. She will be sorely missed and remembered fondly. Sara Lou Wolter’70
Ms. Hawks, like all great teachers, made quite an influence on my life and gave me much inspiration. I will never forget the green chair and a classroom that was a family living room. After leaving Bement, she often sent me books that I have treasured, and I will never forget her kindness. Bill Eng’82
I am so sad to learn of Miss Hawks passing. She was the best teacher I ever had. She helped a confused boarder find her way for a few minutes each day. She will be missed. She always took a liking to the “strays.” Lauren Hirtes’77
Mary Hawks House
Legendary Teacher, Lasting Tribute
Even before Miss Hawks passed Legendary Bement Teacher, Lasting away in February, had Tribute quietly been planning a significant way to honor her name and legacy. Lasting Tribute WithLegendary this in Teacher, mind, the Trustees approved the fundraising initiative to name the head’s house at 3 Old Ferry Road in Deerfield the “Mary Hawks House.”
Mary Hawks House
Sadly, we had not launched the effort in any formal way until after her death, when we responded to the many inquiries about ways in which alumni and others could memorialize Miss Hawks and the Hawks family name in Deerfield. Should you wish to participate, you can make an outright gift or a pledge (over three years) and we will be happy to designate it for that purpose.
For more information, please contact Diana Stiles in the Development Office at The Bement School P.O. Box 8, 94 Old Main Street Deerfield, MA 01342 dstiles@bement.org (413)774-3021 You can also make a gift to the fund on line at www.bement.org.
Carrieann Champagne’82
BEMENT BULLETIN 2011-2012
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