A Seat Of Honor

By Tanjua Damon

It will sit sturdy and strong outside Head O’ Meadow School in honor of former art teacher Pat Mellas, who impacted the entire school community with her humor and dedication to teaching.

The faculty and staff at Head O’ Meadow School dedicated a wooden bench in honor of their former colleague Pat Mellas Monday afternoon. Mrs Mellas was an art teacher at the school for almost 20 years.

Jiny Woodies spoke at the dedication of Mrs Mellas’ humor and joy that she brought with her each day at Head O’ Meadow School.

“With donations to the Pat Mellas Art Fund, our school has chosen to get this bench in her memory,” Ms Woodies said. “Pat brought a lot of joy in our lives and kept us all laughing.”

The bench will not be the only thing that will remind people of Mrs Mellas. She also helped design the art room at Head O’ Meadow School, according to Ms Woodies. Mrs Mellas’ husband, Chris, also felt the bench was a lovely fixture for the school.

“It’s very fitting that this be here for her,” Ms Woodies said. “I think each of us has a funny memory. This was important to him [Chris Mellas] because this is a lasting memory.”

Other Head O’ Meadow teachers remembered Mrs Mellas for her joy of life and love of teaching.

“Her absolute joy of life,” HOM teacher Al Washicko said. “Colorful and joyful in all aspects of her life.”

HOM teacher Sue Green remembered Mrs Mellas as a giving, compassionate teacher and friend.

“She had a big heart,” Ms Green said. “She was a very small person in stature, but had a big heart.”