Mr. Hegner's legacy

BY PATRICIA KELLER
HEWITT — Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School music teacher Rich Hegner conducted his final winter concert on Dec. 8, wrapping up his 35-year career of teaching music to the students of West Milford schools.

The 2015 UGL Winter Concert’s 5th and 6th Grade Combined Chorus performance directed by Hegner was titled, “Number 129 - That’s All Folks.” Hegner retires at the end of this month.

In addition to his current UGL music students, many of Hegner’s former students - alumni and students from Macopin Middle School and West Milford High School - returned to UGL School for his final winter concert to honor their beloved music teacher with a special surprise tribute. All gathered together on stage with their instruments for Hegner to conduct them one last time in a performance of the district’s theme song, “Scotland the Brave," a touching and fitting sendoff for this dedicated, committed, compassionate, and very talented educator.

Hegner is a William Paterson University graduate and has been a member of the West Milford Music Department for the past 35 years. During his teaching career in the district, he has taught general music, chorus and band at most of the West Milford elementary schools as well as at Macopin. Most recently, Hegner has had a long tenure at Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School. Hegner was a significant contributor to the creation of the annual district-wide Arts Festival held by the district each spring, which is now in its 24th year.

A gracious thank youHegner included a touching note in his final music concert program, which read:

“My friends and family at UGL School, it has been an amazing journey for me these last almost 36 years. Just like the last cookie in the box, all good things must come to an end. I am humbled by your kind words of thanks and well wishes - I guess I never realized what an impact I have had on so many lives.

I dedicate my last UGL concert to my grandmother who was the light and influence in my life, my high school band director, Mr. Carl Howard, who was my second father, mentor, and got me through some of the darkest time in my life, and to my students past and present - you never gave me two days the same!!

Thank you!
See you at field day,

Rich Hegner”
Love for HegnerAfter the conclusion of the concert, Hegner posed for photos with his students. As was common throughout his teaching career in West Milford, his students flocked to him to listen to his stories, plans, and advice, and to share a laugh together; and he was soon surrounded by a large crowd of former students and parents wishing him well in his retirement.

"Mr. Hegner has made an impact"

Colleagues had high praise for Hegner.

"Mr. Hegner has always been the first person to volunteer to help his students and his colleagues. He has been a dedicated teacher, who has always gone the extra mile to keep his students in the program, and a faithful friend and helper to his colleagues." - John Boronow, district’s supervisor of Music, Art and Family and Consumer Science.

"A great portion of the High School Band's success is due to the training received from the elementary teachers. Mr. Hegner has been a huge contributor in this way." - West Milford High School Band Director Dr. Brian McLaughlin.

"Mr. Hegner has enriched his students' lives by acting as a role model, providing knowledge and caring about his students by forming personal connections with them beyond the lessons in the classroom. Mr. Hegner has made an impact and a difference in West Milford's music program. Thirty-five years of selfless service and dedication, he has proven to be a 'noteworthy' treasure." - Erica McPartland, 8th grade band director.

“Mr. Hegner was my teacher during the awkward middle school years in Macopin School. He was that teacher that made coming to school fun and enjoyable. I looked forward to his class every day. It has been a pleasure to begin my career as his colleague." - Jordan Barry, a West Milford alum, and now a West Milford elementary music teacher.

For more photos from the evening, go to westmilfordmessenger.com.