Honoring Hersey's finest
Emotions were running high as Hersey High School officials dedicated their activity center Saturday in the name of a longtime teacher and administrator.
More than 300 people gathered to see the center named The Robert J. Hannon Activities Pavilion after the popular 30-year teacher, counselor and administrator, who died unexpectedly in 2003 from a bacterial infection.
The wing was completed that same year and includes science and music rooms, a fitness center, health classrooms, a black box theater and new gymnasium, where Saturday's ceremony took place.
Colleagues said the dedication was fitting since it recognized not only Hannon's nine-year role as assistant vice principal for student activities, but in a larger sense, it reflected his interest in all of the students' activities.
"He attended every single event, whether it was an athletic event or fine arts," said Dennis McSherry, retired fine and performing arts coordinator. "He made this school a very special place for students."
Former Hersey teacher Gail Bedessen, described how Hannon started engaging students in active learning as early as 1972, when he arrived at the school as a social studies teacher and coordinated the first schoolwide mock political convention.
"American Family," a groundbreaking sociology class Hannon created in 1975 with teacher Anne Slattery, drew national attention and was adopted by 4,000 schools across the country.
The class immersed students into the practical side of adult issues, including having them plan their own wedding and care for a simulated baby through their school day and extracurricular activities.
Other achievements included starting one of the first coed high school cheerleading programs and the "Mr. Husky" contest.
Friends said the dedication program was similar to the many school assemblies Hannon ran at the school, beginning with the singing of the Hersey alma mater and fight song, and concluding with one of Hannon's favorite songs, "Last Dance," performed by Hersey's choir.
"Whether it was an honors or all-school assembly, he was the spirit, he was the driving force," retired Principal Barbara Horler said. "How fitting and deserving that finally, we have a celebration for Bob."