A graduate of the Class of 1983, we celebrate Mr. Mahar’s accomplishments in the areas of professional achievement and outstanding service to our East Greenbush community.
Upon graduation from Columbia, Mr. Mahar attended Hudson Valley Community College and received Associates Degrees in Liberal Arts and the Automotive Service Educational Program. He went on to The College of St. Rose and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. He continued his educational studies at St. Rose and received a Master of Science Degree in Reading in 1998 and he received his certification in the Educational Administration Program in 2004.
While Mr. Mahar was pursuing his advanced degrees, he began his career in the East Greenbush Central School District as a substitute teacher. In 1992, Mr. Mahar accepted a teaching position in Genet Elementary School, and he stayed in this position for 15 years. During these years, he was called upon for several interim positions throughout the District. He served as the Summer School Elementary Principal from 2000-2004. Mr. Mahar filled in as the Interim Dean of Students at Columbia High School from April to June, 2004. He then served as Interim Pupil Personnel Director from December, 2004 to March, 2005. Mr. Mahar became an Assistant Principal at Columbia High School in 2007 and remained in that position until this past June. He is currently serving this school year as the Interim Principal at Bell Top Elementary School.
As busy as he was in the East Greenbush School District, Mr. Mahar also served in other educational capacities through these years. He was a Technology Instructor at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center from 1998-2002. Mr. Mahar served as an On-Line Mentor for Interactive Learning Solutions from 2001-2002. In addition, he was an Adjunct Professor at The College of St. Rose where he taught Social Studies Methods and Literacy and Literature in the Intermediate Grades from 2002-2006.
Mr. Mahar was named Wal Mart Teacher of the Year in 2005-2006. He is a current member of Rensselaer ARC, an agency supporting people with developmental disabilities. An active member of St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist Church, Mr. Mahar also was the volunteer webmaster for St. John’s Church.
Mr. Mahar’s dedication has been noticed by many in the community. Nominators Ashley Rickson and Allison Milazzo stated that “he has been a staple in the community and school district since attending his kindergarten year. His balance of professionalism and fun with a great sense of humor makes each day better.” These Guidance Counselors noted that Mr. Mahar “is able to use his caring personality to win over the hearts of families and students and motivate them to work hard towards graduation. Teachers have described him as a calming force and Marty is just that.” When discussing MR. Mahar’s current assignment at Bell Top Elementary, Rickson and Milazzo noticed that “without hesitation Marty was accepting of the position and has since worked his hardest each day in order to keep the school functioning in a positive direction. Working with students, staff and parents just like he did at the high school level and doing anything he can to provide a constant and kind hearted role model in the hallways.”
Columbia High School German teacher Rune Williams shared that Mr. Mahar “has helped me many times and was always willing to give his time even after hours. It has been a privilege to work with Mr. Mahar and could not find a better choice for this award.”
Finally, we would like to quote Bell Top teacher Melissa Gilligan as she reflects on her knowledge of Mr. Mahar. She stated that “I have been fortunate enough to know Marty for 25 years and am in the unique position to have had him as a student teacher and now as my building administrator. As a student teacher, Marty was an enthusiastic child centered educator. He was always prepared and was truly focused on being the best teacher possible. As a building principal, he is caring and sensitive to the unique needs of each student, while treating everyone with respect. Marty can often be seen in the hall greeting children or inquiring about their day. His soft-spoken demeanor allows both staff and students to feel comfortable approaching him. His office door is always open to children and adults; he listens attentively and offers positive thoughtful suggestions.”
At this time, we invite Mr. Mahar to the podium and we ask for a round of applause as the East Greenbush Education Foundation proudly inducts Mr. Martin Mahar into the Columbia High School Alumni Hall of Fame.