Byron-Bergen's J. Dennis Kirst Memorial fund grows

As a way to honor former school Superintendent J. Dennis Kirst, a memorial fund was established in his name by the Byron-Bergen Central School District.

Kirst, superintendent at the district from 1995-2001, died unexpectedly in August 2002.

Marsha MacConnell, a teacher in the district, is the chairperson for the J. Dennis Kirst Memorial Committee, which was established a year ago to raise funds in Mr. Kirst's honor.

"He brought a great deal of energetic enthusiasm to the Byron-Bergen School District always encouraging everyone to 'Bee Your Best' and do what is best for kids," MacConnell said. "He led the district through a facilities project including the building of a Cogeneration plant which generates the electricity and heat for both elementary and middle/high school, an all-weather track, a state-of-the-art weight room and wrestling room, a new science wing at the high school, and a central office suite for the school district."

"A committee of nine community members, staff, faculty and our present superintendent, Dr. Gregory Geer, formed to memorialize Kirst," MacConnell said. "The project we chose to raise funds for is the outside electronic signboards for each school."

This project was chosen because Kirst had wanted to include this in the facilities project but there just wasn't enough money. "He had even given a Board of Education member a folder containing investigative work he had done concerning costs and companies that do this kind of work," she explained. "Dennis recognized the importance of effective communication to the community through outdoor sign boards and was often seen changing the present signboard at the middle/high school to keep it current. After experiencing how it felt to be outside doing this in some of the most inclement weather that our area experiences, he put the purchase of an electronic signboard on his 'wish list.' "

The committee's goal is to raise $35,000 to purchase these signs. Towards that end, the committee has approached various organizations within the school district and in the community for donations. To date, more than $10,000 has been raised through school/community fundraisers including a memorial dinner sponsored by the Byron Kiwanis Club; a golf tournament, sponsored by Ralph and Rosie's Pizzeria and Deli in Bergen; a Keepsake Art Sale sponsored by the PTA; proceeds from refreshment stand profits at a soccer game last fall sponsored by the Byron-Bergen Sport Boosters; proceeds from refreshments sold at boys and girls basketball games, as well as individual and organization donations from the school/community.

"Our current fundraiser is a 'Penny Harvest' at the elementary school," MacConnell said. "Students, faculty, and staff are finding a home for lost pennies around their homes by donating 100 pennies on the 100th day of school which is presently February 18, 2004."

The committee will continue to raise funds until its goal is met. Any money collected beyond the goal will be donated to the three libraries at Byron-Bergen school district to purchase books.

Donations may be sent to J. Dennis Kirst Memorial Fund in care of Dr. Gregory Geer, Byron-Bergen Central School, 6971 W. Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.