Barbara (Cochran) Grube , VRHS Class of 1962
Barbara "Bobbi" Cochran Grube , class of 1962 was posthumously inducted into the 2016 Hall of Fame for her academic achievements and community and international service. Bobbi graduated as Salutatorian of her class, receiving several awards at graduation. Her senior year she was Vice President of her class, Editor of the Yearbook, VP of Tri-Hi-Y club, recipient of the DAR "Good Citizen" Award and in College Club. She was a member of National Honor Society for 3 years. For two years she was representative to the model UN held at State Teacher's College. She receive awards as a junior and senior on the National Standardized Tests. As a sophomore she was a Student Council representative and inducted into the National Latin Honor Society, based on the awards she had won in Latin for the first three years of school. She was in the scholarship class as a junior, and a member of the Girl's Athletic Association all four years of school. Bobbi received her early religious foundation in the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany (now Redeemer) in Rensselaer. After marrying and moving to Connecticut, and while raising her children, Bobbi began volunteering at her church and was soon elected to the Board of the Episcopal Church's Women of the Diocese of Connecticut, and subsequently as its president. She served in many leadership roles within the church, and was a driving force in the restoration of the Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford. She was president for about a year when she was diagnosed with cancer. While receiving treatment, she continued her duties which also included traveling to Haiti, Cuba and Brazil to oversee the church's charitable and humanitarian works. She was also a delegate to the church's Triennial Convention in Phoenix, AZ. She served another 3 yrs before succumbing to her illness in 1993, just short of her 50th birthday. As a testament to her work and dedication, the cathedral library was dedicated to her honor, her successor praised her devotion and leadership, and the Bishop honored her service. Bobbi is survived by her husband, three children and brother, Jim Cochran, VRHS '66.