A eulogy for Charlena Curry Brown

By Brian J. O'Donnell

WATKINS GLEN, July 30, 2014 -- Charlena Curry Brown, Watkins Glen High School Class of 1939, passed away Tuesday morning, July 29 after a very full and productive life and as a great contributor to public education in general and Middle School education in particular in the Watkins Glen Central School District.

A graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.S. degree in Zoology (I always meant to ask her about her interest in that area), followed by successful completion of additional course work at Cortland State Teacher's College (when a "Normal School" degree was the "norm" for new teachers) and a Masters' Degree in Science from Cortland State, Char taught Grade 3 in Watkins Glen from 1951-1955 (my wife's favorite teacher!), then Grades 5/6 until 1960. She then became Burdett School Principal and Grade 5 teacher until 1969, when she was appointed as the first Watkins Glen Middle School Principal -- a position she held until her retirement in June of 1977.

A lifelong learner, Char participated in numerous "In-Service" courses and District-sponsored Professional Development opportunities and was highly complimented at the very first Chemung Area Reading Council's Reading Fair held at the Arnot Mall on April 10, 1976.

Char took her role most seriously, devoting hundreds of hours to developing and implementing the Middle School concept. As a newly-employed Grade 4 teacher in 1969, I remember a number of annual meetings where Char would meet with the Grade 4 teachers of the Elementary School to make certain we all were "on the same page" when it came to preparing Grade 4 students for their transition to Grade 5 and the Middle School program (she was so proactive in wanting the very best for each and every student entrusted to her care). I'm certain my colleagues/Grade 4 teachers MARYLOU THOMPSON and DORIS FAZZARY would agree with that!

In 1981, for the Class of 1982 -- the 100th graduating class in our history -- I took on the responsibility of updating the District history for the first 100 years and I put out a call for help and assistance in compiling that history. Char Curry Brown was one of the first to answer that call (along with her contemporary and good friend, former Elementary School Principal MAE KLUBE) and offer her knowledge and expertise. That volume was made that much better and more complete with her contributions. She researched and wrote the section on the District "Administration" (from April 1863 - August 1981 -- no small task, but one close to her heart!)

On this past June 25th the District held a special "closing ceremony" for the Middle School (soon to become Senior Housing as the District fully consolidates to a single campus) and Char was prominently featured as part of that event. She returned to the Middle School that day and sat down front in the auditorium as I spoke to the history and tradition that was the Middle School for the past 45 years AND a District facility for the past 85 years.

One of the comments I made that afternoon was in quoting an ancient Chinese proverb which says, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Just think how many of you and members of your family took that journey with the help of CHARLENA CURRY BROWN. At the conclusion of that ceremony, while Char waited in the Main Office for her second cousin MARILYN CROSS to give her a ride home, Char spent some time with a young student -- ARAN HOLLAND -- visiting and talking about school (what she liked to do best - an educator to the end!)

CHARLENA CURRY BROWN was one of a long line of dedicated professionals who devoted their lives to the youth of Schuyler County and Watkins Glen and who helped mold and shape the educational environment for literally thousands of young people with class, character and a real thirst for knowledge. She will be remembered and missed, and counted among the best! .

Mr. O'Donnell is a former Watkins Glen teacher, principal, and School Board President.

Photo in text: Charlena Curry Brown receives an ovation at the June 25 ceremony marking the closing of the Watkins Glen Middle School.