ROTTERDAM Mohonasen theater named for beloved teacher BY MICHAEL GOOT Gazette Reporter Reach Gazette reporter Michael Goot at 395-3105 or mgoot@dailygazette.net.
“Doc” Margaret Gray was more than just a theater director at Mohonasen. “In my growing pains and both good and bad times, Doc was always there to offer a kind word,” said a tearful Claudia DeMartino, a Class of 2007 graduate. DeMartino, who is still involved in acting, said Gray found a place for everyone in all of the productions and imparted wisdom to the students. “She taught them the value of working together to achieve a successful result,” she said. Because of her decades of service to the Mohon Masque theater program, the district this week dedicated the high school theater in her honor. Family, friends and former and current students feted Gray’s accomplishments at a ceremony on Monday. DeMartino was just one of the speakers who read testimonials about how “Doc” changed their lives as a slide show of images from the various student productions played on a large screen. “This is a great tribute to have the theater named after me,” Gray said. “I’m in shock. I want to thank the community and the Board of Education for the opportunity they have given me.” Following her graduation from The College of Saint Rose, Gray started her career as a music teacher in 1952 in what was then the Draper School District. She continued there until the school district merged in 1986 with Mohonasen. Along the way she also earned her master’s degree in education and doctorate, leading to her affectionate nickname of “Doc.” She continued teaching music until she retired in 1991. She was asked to stay on as theater director, which puts on two shows a year. Gray said her love of theater could be summed up by a sign. “There’s a plaque at Draper School that said ‘God’s greatest gift are the arts. What you do on that stage will be your gift to God.’ ” The theater gives some people an outlet. “There’s some kids, that’s all they have is that time on that stage. Some kids are not artistic. They’re not sportsmen. It’s those kids that I mentored. That was my goal in life to give something to those kids.” Scott Ziobrowski, a graduate of the Class of 2002, said Gray taught him about the value of a good work ethic. “I remember spending 12-hour days rehearsing for a show. She always had high expectations. She always instilled a hard work ethic that I carried on in my career,” he said................>>>>..............>>>>..............http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r01800&AppName=1
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