The Instructors of the Hamilton Community School have brought to the neighborhood their skills, talents and knowledge. The favorable response and positive reception by the Community School students to the individual instructors indicate their classes are worthwhile — both instructive and fun.
At this time we would like to formally introduce them to you by way of short biographies:
Jackie Barham: Coordinator of the Student Tutorial Program.
Jackie attended SIU-Edwardsville and received her B.S. in Speech Pathology along with her Masters Degree — also in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Graduate School: SIU-Edwardsville from which she received her certification in Learning Disabilities.
Jackie has been at Hamilton School for two years. Her long-range goal for the Tutoring Class is to improve the reading levels of all children in public schools. She would like for this class to be just the stepping stone to a yearly class dealing with the same subjects.
Connie Brazelton: Instructor of Modern Dance.
A lithe, professional dancer, model and actress, Connie received her formal training at SIU-Edwardsville. She has performed in both Illinois and Missouri – in numerous stage productions. Connie is currently trying to arrange a back stage tour at one of the local Theatres, though the details are not final as yet. She spends her “working hours” both in a Clayton studio, and rehearsing, as they say, for “another opening of another show.”
Mary Canterberry: Instructor of Shorthand and Beginning Typing.
Only a few blocks away, Mary teaches during the day at O.I.C. on Delmar. Secretarial skills such as typing and shorthand are among the subjects she teaches. Mary holds a Business Education degree from Lincoln University and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Education at UMSL. When not directly involved in her own education, or that of others, she is very active in community affairs.
Magnolia Dorsey: Communication and Math Skills Instructor.
Building and neighborhood expertise is what Magnolia brings to the Community School. She has been a teacher in the Hamilton School for over 10 years, thereby knowing both students and their families very well. She is a graduate of Kentucky State University and has attended Washington University for graduate school.
Cornelia Tolbert: Instructor of Voice and Piano.
A recent graduate from St. Louis University, Cornelia majored in Music, and has been out of school less than a year. In 1972. she was voted one of the outstanding teenagers in America. Cornelia is a past member of the National Society of Published Poets. Active in Church affairs, she is both Choir Director and Accompanist for the Parrish Temple C.M.E. Church.
Bill Perry: Instructor of Silkscreen and Basic Drawing.
Bill has come to St. Louis rather recently. He went to the University of Hawaii, where he majored in Fine Arts. Bill also worked on the Islands after school as an artist. Since he has come to St. Louis, Bill has attended Washington University for graduate school, and has been active in the educational programs at the Learning Center. Most recently, he won First Prize at the Art Fair in the Ceramics Division. The entire Hamilton Community School is very proud of Bill and his exquisite work.
Rosie Guerrero: Spanish and Guitar Instructor.
Again coming a very long distance, Rosie lived in Mexico and is in St. Louis getting further education in the English Language. Her educational credits include graduating from a Mexican University, as well as teaching experience. One of the most interesting places she has taught is in the prisons of Mexico. The people incarcerated there learned both folklore and guitar and really appreciated her time and caring.
Jan Jenkins: Instructor of Sewing.
Jan, like Connie and Ruby, went to school at SIU. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration. Jan is employed at Southwestern Bell as an accounting Supervisor. Her sewing expertise comes from attending Washington University in Tailoring and Advanced Sewing.
Ruby Jones: Slimnastics Instructor.
Probably the prettiest and perkiest of the Community School staff, Ruby majored in Administration of Justice, and minored in Physical Education at SIU. She was a teacher in St. Louis Public Schools at both Yeatman and Banneker. Currently, Ruby is an Administrative Assistant at the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE).
Tom Stuchlik: Instructor of Bookkeeping and Accounting.
Having a Board of Education Accountant as a staff member is most helpful. Tom has reviewed the Community School Budget format and made sound recommendations for tightening it up. Also a graduate of SIU-Edwardsville, Tom holds both a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA. He enjoys volunteer work and all sports, especially tennis.
Patricia Johnson: Instructor of Batik and Macrame.
Pat is a teacher by trade, currently working in one of the Archdiosecan schools. She graduated from St. Louis University, thereupon, being selected as one of the four Teacher Corps interns for two years of teaching experience and university classwork. Pat received her Masters Degree in Elementary Education this past year.
Originally published in The Paper, June 1978.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Several printed spellings, including “Archdiosecan,” are retained rather than silently modernized.
Original source: SD_Times1978_06.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
