Letter: Appreciates mom, Hudson schools

Dear Editor,

As someone who calls Hudson my hometown, an HHS 1983 alumnus, educator and parent, I write this letter for three reasons.

First, I want to publicly thank my mom, Nola Gehn, for being an advocate for education, children and families in the Hudson area for well over 50 years. On May 9 she was recognized for her 20-year involvement with the Education Foundation of Hudson. Those of you who haven’t been in the community that long may be interested in knowing just how instrumental Mom has been, behind the scenes, in supporting the quality of education you currently have in your community. Her stint on the foundation is the culmination of so much more.

Mom came to Hudson as a fifth-grade teacher at E.P. Rock Elementary School. She subbed for countless years. She tutored children of all ages, at times on a volunteer basis. She was the first woman serving on the Hudson School Board in the 1970s and was treasurer while the current high school was built. Through the years, she has pushed for excellence through her unwavering support of great teachers, sound curriculum and quality extracurricular activities. Thanks, Mom, for your legacy of dedication and encouragement. I hope that others will be inspired to do the same.

Second, I want to thank the Hudson community for providing me with a quality education, something not found everywhere. Our extracurricular and academic offerings of that time period were outstanding. A few of the many great teachers that come to my mind are Mrs. Pominville, Mr. Rasmussen, Mrs. Hoaglund, Mr. Dahle, Mr. Meincke, Frau Huftel, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Kocmoud, Ms. Andrewson, Mr. Gustafson, and Mr. Bowman. I’m hard-pressed to recall a weak teacher during those 13 years. Thanks, Hudson, for giving me teachers who were instrumental in providing me an awesome education.

Third, I want to encourage the people of the Hudson area to keep education a priority. Trust the educators to do their jobs well. Take an active part in the lives of not only your own kids, but in your neighbors’ kids, too. It doesn’t happen by chance. It’s a conscious choice that requires action and investment. The payoff, however, has a ripple effect that reaches far and wide into our world and into the future. Please continue to choose well.

Tags: opinion, letters, education