Hilton selects sixth grade teacher
Jim Dupont as "2000-01 Teacher of the Year"

The Hilton Central Schools Teachers' Association annually honors a Hilton teacher, nominated by his or her peers, students and their parents, to be awarded the "Teacher of the Year Award." This year, veteran elementary teacher James Dupont received this award at the annual faculty convocation in September. Sixth grade teacher at the Village Elementary School, Mr. Dupont is one of 17 Hilton teachers who returned to the classroom for one last year although they officially retired from teaching effectively this summer.

Nominated as one of the district's friendliest and most outgoing teachers, he has been described as a person who "always says something to me in the hall to make me smile."

"This tribute touched me deeply," Dupont said, "because it's my last year of teaching. To be categorized with 'one of the best' … there's nothing that can top it. I have taught with excellent teachers: Bill Iveson, Hugh Ratigan, Kathy Donahue."

Dupont began teaching sixth grade social studies in 1964 at Hilton's Merton Williams Middle School under principal Joe Lester who he fondly remembers as being pivotal in his professional development. He has had a 22-year working relationship with sixth grade teacher Dr. Hugh Ratigan, who team-teaches with Dupont. "We have worked closely all these years," Dupont said, "and we have a lot of respect for each other. It's the interaction and camaraderie I will miss," he said. "I make the classroom as enjoyable as possible. If I'm having fun, I know they're having fun."

Dupont is a graduate of SUNY Brockport and has received the H. R. Bubb Award for Mentoring Student Teachers. He coached women's varsity soccer for 16 years where he was named "Coach of the Year." He has been selected for "Who's Who in American Teaching." He is a resident of Clarkson.