Helen Downey – Marlborough Public Schools
In 1976 Helen started teaching art in the Marlborough Public Schools, spending her first 5 years at the elementary level before moving to the middle school. There she found her niche and stayed for the next 31 years. Middle schoolers have energy, a need to push boundaries and a willingness to create which made her job interesting, challenging and rewarding!
Since retiring in 2012 she has subbed, taught classes, made art and since 2016 she has worked as a Program Supervisor of Visual Art student teachers. Her involvement on the MAEA board began in 2006 and over the years she served as Middle School Representative, Youth Art Month Committee Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. In 2018 she was honored to receive the Lynn S. Feldman Award for Art Education Advocacy from Arts/Learning for her work with Youth Art Month.
I am very honored to be this year’s recipient of the MAEA Lifetime Achievement Award and want to thank the board for this incredible recognition! After 17 amazing years in which I made lifelong friends and met wonderful people, I have retired from the board. The board now needs new energy. The Board needs YOU!
I end by encouraging you all to consider getting involved. You can take it from me, it’s rewarding!