LOUIS H DUTCHER is being inducted posthumously for his academic achievements, his career of 40 yrs with the Rensselaer School System and his community leadership. Louis graduated as salutatorian of the RHS class of 1924. He was president of his class and received the highest average for all four years, also receiving four awards at graduation: French, Latin, Math and History. He was on the basketball team as well. He married his high school sweetheart and went to Wesleyan College on a scholarship. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa (the most prestigious honor society in the US) in 1928 and his one year old daughter Jean went to his graduation. He attained a Masters Degree from State Teachers College (now SUNYA). He began his long career teaching Math in 1930 at School 3, later becoming Principal there and after that, at Van Rensselaer, until his death in 1970. He died prematurely at the age of 64. He was a trustee at the First United Methodist Church and chairman of the finance committee for 40 yrs as well. He belonged to the Greenbush Lodge/Masons and was treasurer of their dart league and secretary of the bowling league. He was also on the Chamber of Commerce. In his leisure, besides darts and bowling, he like fishing, antiquing, and playing poker and pinochle. Louis was born on Green Street in Rensselaer and later moved to Eastland Park where he and his wife, the former Elizabeth Gibson, raised their three daughters. Louis’ grandchildren are here tonight to accept his award.
