social studies teacher named Teacher of the Year Hilton High School social studies teacher and varsity wrestling coach Chuck Partridge was named the 2002-03 Hilton Central School Teachers' Association annual Teacher of the Year at the faculty and staff convocation at Hilton High School held in September. H.C.S.T.A. President Kathleen Donahue presented him with the award. In addition, eight teachers were named finalists in the H.C.S.T.A. contest: High School - special education teacher Sandy White; Merton Williams Middle School - social studies teachers Robert Phillips and O.J. Vidas; Northwood Elementary School teacher Lynne Lincourt and REACH (academically-gifted) teacher Kathy Brickell; Quest Elementary School - teachers Patrick Kruchten and Mary Lioudis; Village Elementary School - language arts teacher Monica Cosgrove. Partridge has taught 18 years at Hilton High School and one year at the Lyndonville School District. He has been a modified, junior varsity and varsity wrestling coach for 20 years, 14 of which are at the varsity level. He is a 1976 Hilton High School graduate with an undergraduate degree in history from SUNY Brockport and a master's degree also from SUNY Brockport. He teaches both global studies and psychology. He has been the recipient of the University of Rochester Excellence in Secondary Teaching award two times; Monroe County Wrestling Coach of the Year three times; and Coach of the Year for the Genesee Region. Jennifer Monfiletto, a former student in Mr. Partridge's class and now a social studies teacher herself at Hilton High School, in her nominating letter said: "One reason why Mr. Partridge's class remains such a clear memory for me is due to the fact that not only did he teach his students content, but more importantly, he taught us to respect ourselves and one another ... I often find myself modeling the same teaching styles that he displayed while I was his student." Well-known for his ability to develop relationships with his students, Partridge says, "History is just people. At times it seems too abstract and unreal and it can be hard to recognize that your own parents lived through history and that we're living through history now." Also known for his sense of humor in the classroom, he commented, "School is stressful. Humor is disarming and makes things more fun. As a matter of fact, most humor is about social conditions we find ourselves in. To really 'get the joke' with most comedians, you have to be aware of our social conditions. And as wrestling coach, he recommends the sport as a way to deal with stress: "Wrestling teaches you how to deal with stress - you're all alone with the opponent and have to perform." |
