Dennis Hynek
 |
2015
Dennis Hynek
Teacher/Educator
Dennis Hynek dedicated his life's work an entire career to the Beatrice Public School System. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Kansas State Teacher's College in Emporia, Kansas and a Certificate of Specialization in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He began his career in Beatrice teaching Science and Biology in the Junior High School After twelve years of teaching, he moved on to become the Assistant Principal at the Jr. High. Thirteen years later, he became the Principal, a position he held until he retired in 1998. His investment in students and families can be paralleled to a scenario he often referred to as the "4 Minute Mile." Most everyone can run and many can run a mile; but not everyone can run it in 4 minutes, even if that is the goal that is set for them. If that goal is reached, congratulations and the setting of more challenges. If first attempts fail, encouragement to "just run faster" won't necessarily correlate to successfully running that 4-minute mile. Some will never get there, if left to their own devices, with on individualized mentorship and intervention. Dennis felt that the same held true for students, and their education. Students need to be met individually where they are, in order to let them to the mastery of their own personal "4 Minute Mile." Dennis lived by the motto, "No Child Left Behind," and through his actions, expectations, decisions, and implementations, worked to make the school environment such that all were enabled to learn and grow. He led the implementation of the middle school concept and saw to fruition the transition from Junior High to Beatrice Middle School. Dennis took his responsibility to students, parents, staff, and administrators personally and seriously. He was looked upon as a leader, mentor, and innovator. He was often described as "ahead of his time," because of his ideas, philosophy, and principles. Because of his efforts, numerous students, and fellow administrators were able to successfully run their personal "4 Minute Miles.