John R. Hummel
John R. Hummel was born on January 28, 1948, in Hamburg, New York. He received a bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education in 1974, and a master of science degree in 1978 from the State University College in Buffalo, New York. His degree carried an extension to teach language arts in secondary schools.
He served in the United States Army until he received an honorable discharge in 1972. While serving our country in Vietnam, Mr. Hummel received the Vietnam Campaign Medal with two stars and one with a 60 device, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star.
John R. Hummel began his teaching career in 1974. He taught reading and language arts for middle and high schools in Hamburg, New York. In 1980, he moved to
Las Vegas. He began teaching language arts at Dell H. Robison Middle School while serving as both the English Department coordinator and activity director. In addition to teaching English, he served as an in-house suspension teacher and attendance coordinator. In 1988, Mr. Hummel was appointed dean of students at Chaparral High School. In 1990, he returned to Dell H. Robison Middle School as an assistant principal, served as acting principal in 1996, and was appointed principal in 1997. He remained as principal of Dell H. Robison Middle School until his death in February 2001.
Mr. Hummel served on several school district committees throughout his career, including the Master Teacher Program and the Master Plan Reaction Group. He was a member of the National Association of English Teachers, National Association of Secondary School Principals, New York State United Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, and a host of other educational organizations. He was also a member of Hispanics in Politics, the Latin Chamber of Commerce, and Phi Delta Kappa.
Dell H. Robison Middle School has been fortified by the foundation of excellence that Mr. Hummel established. As a teacher he modeled it; as a principal he commanded and insisted upon it. He was a strong advocate for at-risk students and second language learners. He implemented stay-in-school programs and was committed to the English Language Learners Program. He developed and implemented the Employee Recognition Program.
He created and implemented the "Peace Program" that is an anti-violence and positive reinforcement approach for students who opt not to fight. The program was successful in reducing fighting and bullying among the students at Robison Middle School.
John Hummel had several goals throughout his life. One of them is as follows:
”The goal that I have set for myself as a teacher is to instill in each
and every student a respect for intellect, an appreciation for art in any
form, the worth of striving to be a better person, and the desire to do
something with his or her life."
Mr. Hummel lost his battle with cancer on February 28, 2001. He left behind his wife, Veronica and his son, Evan. His daughter, Erica, preceded him in death in 1999.