Huntington Mourns Loss of
Art Teacher Robert Potter
As word filtered around the district and community that Huntington High School art teacher Robert Potter had passed away suddenly on Monday, teachers and students reacted with disbelief.
"We are all devastated to learn of this news," Superintendent John J. Finello said. "Mr. Potter was a valued member of our family and was very well-regarded by his colleagues and students. Our hearts go out to his wife, Jan and young daughter Isabel. His loss leaves a huge void at Huntington High School."
The district learned of the stunning news after the high school day ended. Officials sent an electronic message to members of the high school community and the reaction was swift. Principal Carmela Leonardi said there was an "outpouring of concern and sadness among students."
Some teenagers stopped by the school's main office to speak with whoever was there to listen about Mr. Potter and how he had touched their lives. A faculty meeting was quickly scheduled for 7 a.m. Tuesday morning and additional support services were arranged to provide assistance to those needing to speak with someone about the tragedy.
"Robert Potter was a brilliant art teacher and one of the most remarkable people I have ever had the privilege to know and work with," said Joan R. Fretz, district director of fine and performing arts.
When a student would hear that Mr. Potter would be their ceramics teacher, a smile would typically come across the faces of students and their parents. The more students learned about this creative and caring teacher the more they were filled with anticipation while waiting to be in his class.
Mr. Potter, who taught ceramics (pottery) and sculpture, began working in Huntington in September 2006 after embarking on a major change in his career as an artist. After completing a bachelor of fine arts degree at Pratt Institute, he worked for 17 years for famed artist Peter Maxx.
While working as a practicing sculptor and studying for a master's degree in art education at Adelphi University, Mr. Potter came to Huntington High School to observe art teacher Kristin Singer's class. "We knew immediately that he was an incredible artist and teacher," Mrs. Singer said. "We followed his career and after student teaching, we were thrilled to welcome him to our Huntington art faculty."
Huntington art teacher Ayallah Jeddah came to Huntington the same year as Mr. Potter. "He was such an inspiration for all of us," Ms. Jeddah said. "He cared so deeply about his kids and pushed them to express themselves. He made me want to be a better teacher. He was a true teacher through and through."
"He was a loving and caring person and took a genuine interest in all of his students," Dr. Leonardi said. Mr. Potter often spoke of his wife and daughter and the pair was known to be the light of his life. "He loved them dearly," Ms. Fretz said.
Although he was only in his fifth year of teaching at the school, Mr. Potter had developed a noticeable devotion to everyone at Huntington High School. "He was a great listener and took time to help everyone with anything that they needed," Ms. Fretz said. "He embraced every child that entered his classroom and took special interest in those who were not succeeding elsewhere. Everyone had a home in Robert Potter's classroom. Students found a constructive and meaningful way of expressing themselves there. He encouraged them to create art that was symbolic of their thoughts, interests and beliefs. One of his favorite projects was 'Monuments and Memorials.'"
The tight-knit art department was especially hit hard by Mr. Potter's passing. Teachers were stunned and found it hard to speak. "Teaching was his calling," Mrs. Singer said. "Rob was meant to be a teacher. He was so passionate about his work and helped his students think on a whole different level. In the short 4½ years he was with us, he touched so many lives."
"We were blessed to have him as a part of our Huntington family," Ms. Fretz said. "We will never forget him."