Rich Deely - An Educator And Role Model

Rich Deely hired me as an Education Intern at the Hudson River Museum of Westchester. He had been there for many years and he was the best possible influence for the students that came once a week to our institution. He encouraged these kids. He knew their every concern and problem. He stayed extra hours to help them with college applications, papers, and other tasks they were having difficulty with. He taught them about art in context of their own lives. He gave them responsibility and trusted them – something that I think any teenager craves.

I saw the way these kids blossomed under his care and how they appreciated him. Two months after I arrived Rich announced he was moving on to a new job, closer to his fiancée. At his farewell party the students cried and hugged him until he was crying himself. As an educator and role model Rich was impeccable. I just want to thank Rich for his influence – it meant I was able to work with a group of intelligent and fun students for eighteen amazing months.