Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

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Violet H. Simmons

The Vision of an Extraordinary Teacher

Although legally blind for more than half of her 50-year teaching career, Violet Simmons had a clear vision for her students.

I am old fashioned enough to believe that we get from our students only what we demand. If we accept mediocrity, that is what they will give.... It is my sincere wish that Webutuck will continue to emphasize goals of high scholastic achievement... I hope that Webutuck students will strive for excellence in all areas—music, drama, but most fundamental of all, excellence in scholarship.

Former students of this inspiring teacher established the Violet H. Simmons Scholarship Fund in her honor in 1982. Miss Simmons became chairman of its advisory board and helped set the high standards for a Simmons Scholar.

Just before her death in 2001, at the age of 90, Violet Simmons gave her former student, Millerton attorney Ed Downey, his last assignment from her: to establish endowments for the North East Millerton Library, the First Presbyterian Church of Millerton and the scholarship fund named in her honor.

“Miss Simmons wanted the funds' advisory boards to focus on good works, not on investing and finances. When I suggested using Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation to manage the endowments, she knew she could trust their professionalism and eagerly agreed,” said Downey.

Miss Simmons' endowment provides a four-year $10,000 scholarship to Webutuck graduates. Miss Simmons' former students, colleagues and friends continue to make contributions to build the fund. In recent years, a fund created by one of these students, the Barbara Thorlichen Fiefle Summer Enrichment Scholarship Fund, provides Webutuck graduates with special opportunities during the summer for personal and intellectual growth.

The scholarships perpetuate Ms. Simmon's vision and values: that every child can learn; that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, should strive for excellence; and that anything worth doing at all is worth doing well.