This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Hansen School Celebrates its Namesake's 95th Birthday

Helen H. Hansen turned 95 on May 8. She was greeted by Hansen School 5th graders who went to the Copley Nursing Home in Stoughton to sing to the school's former principal.

As part of her 95th birthday celebration, Hansen School 5th graders went to the in Stoughton on Tuesday to sing to the school's former principal, .

Hansen, a Stoughton icon, was born on May 8, 1917. She became principal of the former Chemung Hill School in 1962. After more than 25 years as principal there, the school now bares her name as the .

A woman whose history is woven throughout the town, Hansen's passion remains for her former school.

Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The school, which has been named for Hansen since a dedication in 1989, feels a strong sense of admiration for their former principal - especially its current principal, Faye Polillio, who describes Hansen as, “the foundation of the Hansen School.”

This admiration is also evidenced by Hansen's display of notes, cards and pictures she receives on a weekly basis from its current students.  

Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hansen has continued to be involved with the school over the years.  

“The students know her.  They were excited to go...and celebrate her 95th birthday with her," Polillio said.

Mrs. Callaghan and Miss Sullivan’s fifth grade classes were led by music teacher Mrs. Montgomery as they performed three songs for the "birthday girl."

One, the upbeat I’d Rather Be Happy, even had Mrs. Hansen dancing in her seat. 

The second song, Wind Beneath My Wings, had a great deal of significance Polillio explained. “It was the song that the 5th and 6th grade chorus sang to [Hansen] the year she retired,” she said.

The students, were then joined by former Chemung/Hansen School teachers, Mrs. Rendini and (who was also a former student of Hansen's) and by many of the Copley staff in singing what else but Happy Birthday.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Stoughton