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ROTTERDAM
Schalmont graduates cited for achievements
Anderton, Eichler, Gaus recognized
BY JUSTIN MASON Gazette Reporter
Margaret Anderton was offered a full-time job teaching social studies when she graduated from the University at Albany.
But the experience of working at the Schenectady Boys and Girls Clubs during her summers had already steered the former academic standout at Schalmont High School into a different direction. Anderton found herself wanting to teach those most in need of her help.
"I decided the world of not-forprofits was more interesting than teaching in public school," she recalled Wednesday.
In 1997, Anderton became the executive director of Bethesda House. She helped transform what was once a drop-in center into an agency that now serves hundreds of disadvantaged city residents and is on the verge of a major expansion.
The 1978 graduate joins Thomas Eichler, a social service advocate, and Valerie Gaus, an psychologist, as the three chosen to be honored by Schalmont on the Alumni Wall of Distinction during a ceremony May 29. They join a group five alumni honored last year — the district’s 50th anniversary — with plaques outside the high school gymnasium.
The current three were chosen from more than 60 nominations. Sandra Beloncik, on the nominating committee and the Board of Education, said the three are examples of well-rounded students who went on to excel in life.
"Reading the nominations gave me a great sense of Schalmont pride," she said. "There were so many impressive alumni to chose from, and I’m sure there are many more that have yet to be nominated.”
Anderton is also a founding member of the C o m m u n i t y Crisis Network of Schenectady and served as chairwoman of the Housing and Support Services Network of Schenectady. She advised Schalmont students to never give up on their goals and to always remember the impact they can have on the world around them.
"You cannot just think about yourself when you do anything," she said. "Everything you do affects someone else and you can use that to make a difference."
Eichler graduated in 1962 and later earned a master's degree from UAlbany. He amassed an impressive record of public service from the office of Gov. Nelson Rockefeller to the regional offices of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Delaware.
Eichler's recent work has focused on ensuring that government services reach the people they are intended to help. Now a resident of Bear, Del., he serves as the chief of staff at Nemours Health and Prevention Services, which tries to improve health care services for children.
Eichler said he was glad he had teachers who piqued his interest in public service. "If you make the best use of the education, it will give you the best foundation for later in life."
Gaus, a 1982 graduate, devoted her life work to helping those with developmental disabilities. After receiving her doctorate from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, she became a psychologist specializing in autism.
Gaus now serves as a board member of the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association, among other roles. She recently authored a bookon adult Asperger syndrome.
Now a resident of Cold Spring Hills, Long Island, Gaus credits Schalmont with giving her the freedom to explore her passions in life. She painted a mural that remains in the high school lobby today.
"It sounds corny but follow your passion," she advised. "Try to do something you love."