Mrs. Virginia Hough Honored

by Marjorie Pratt

The Windfall Grange honored Mrs. Virginia Hough at their Community Night on Wednesday evening, October 17th at the Windfall U. Methodist Church. Mrs. Hough had taught in the Windfall and Granville Schools 28 of her 33 teaching years.

Mrs. Virginia S. Hough

Former students of Mrs. Hough who came to honor her Mrs. Hough is seated in front on the left

There were many former students, family and friends, approximately sixty-five who attended this event. Following a "carry-in" supper the program began with a Salute to the Flag. There was a welcome given by Marjorie Pratt. She also had short messages written by Shirley Merritt Thompson and Ruthie Wicker.

Master of Ceremonies was "Jim" Denkenberger, who introduced the program and spoke of many instances of times and situations that had happened during his elementary school years, when he attended Windfall School. He also mentioned a kindness extended to him by Mrs. Hough's husband, Lynwood Hough at the Troy Halloween Parade.

There was a House Citation given to Mrs. Hough from Rep. Matt Baker. This was presented by Wendy Ribeca of Rep. Baker's Wellsboro office. Next there were comments of appreciation expressed on their school years by Stanley Saxton of Granville Summit and Charles Denkenberger of Montrose, PA. Then Charles Brackman of Windfall read a tribute "To the Unknown Teacher," telling of many times teachers do not realize how much they influence the children they teach throughout their lives. This was followed by special music by Charles Hawthorne. Charlie also played background music during supper.

Letters of Appreciation were read from Dr. Donald & Jane Stanton of Lakewood Ranch, FL., by Sheryl Angove and a letter from Michael Pratt, Grove City, PA., read by Gerald Pratt.
Pastor "Bill" Bardo of Canton, PA. spoke representing the Troy Presbyterian Church and told of her many acts of kindness extended to him and others.

Joyce Kerrick of Towanda, PA. spoke and represented the Delta Kappa Gamma, a women's teacher's sorority that Mrs. Hough has belonged to for fifty-two years. Joyce also spoke of her school years as a student at Windfall. Joan Roy of Gillett, PA. spoke and represented the Troy Heritage Museum and told of Mrs. Hough's faithfulness to the museum in volunteering her time and contributing to the museum since its beginning.

Sybil Stump Pyle of Windfall spoke on their days at Mansfield State Teacher's College, as it was known then. Four students, including Mrs. Hough, who was doing her student teaching at the time, roomed with a family in Mansfield and paid $1.50 a week and brought their food from home. Sibyl also had a reading about a young boy, who had been a struggling student that had lost his mother and how his teacher had helped and encouraged him throughout his school years and also college until he became a doctor. The teacher was also asked by the boy to sit in his Mother's place when he was married. This was a very touching story.

Others to share their thoughts and appreciation were: Doug Bennett of Granville Center; Floyd Taylor of Canton; and, Desiree Spencer of Granville Summit.
Mrs. Hough then responded by extending her thanks and appreciation to all for the evening.

Our closing song was "School Days" sung by those attending.