Active portrait of Harford superintendent emerges
Hundreds attended a memorial service for Harford County Superintendent Jacqueline C. Haas yesterday. To see photographs, go here and view images 7 and 8. Among those present was Sun reporter Mary Gail Hare, who shares the following observations:
Hundreds participated in the celebration of life for Dr. Jacqueline C. Haas Wednesday at Aberdeen High School. Floral tributes filled the gymnasium. Boys, from a club that Haas helped found, served as ushers. The North Harford choir sang a favorite aria and put a familiar Irish blessing to music. Haas' pastor encouraged the crowd to honor her memory by moving forward mindful of her strong work ethic for children and her steadfast values. Numerous speakers offered glimpses into Haas' life.
But it was the crowd that gave greatest testament to a life of service, a life well lived and a legacy that will continue.
"This outpouring of love reveals the impact she had on all our lives," said Patrick Hess, president of the county Board of Education.
Hess called Haas "the consummate teacher and the lifelong embodiment of a lifelong learner. She showed us all how to take advantage of teachable moments."
County Executive David R. Craig told of frequent meetings with the superintendent that always began with brief updates on his grandchildren and her sons. They also spoke of his love for the ocean and her fondness for the mountains. Craig was unpacking his car the night Haas was stricken with a fatal asthma attack. His wife tossed a photo she found in the trunk at him. It showed Craig and Haas, both smiling broadly and dressed in what he called "purple majesty" at a 2007 rally for the Ravens. That same photo figured among many during a video tribute to Haas.
When David J. Sigworth, student member of the board, traveled to Ocean City for the teachers convention last fall, his car broke down. He called Haas, who told him how to check the engine and then sent someone to pick him up. When the car was not fixed at the end of the convention, Haas gave the student a ride home.
"She even offered to drive me and a date to homecoming," Sigworth said, a comment that generated a laugh during the somber ceremony. "That was one offer I declined."
He praised her devotion to all Harford County's 40,000 students.
"We are the key reason she went to work for 36 years," he said.
