Later this year, the Cornwall High School gymnasium will be named in memory of former teacher and head coach, Glen McGinnis. To rededicate a school facility is an honor bestowed upon only one other individual in district history. The Cornwall Middle School library is named after Frances Dye Clark.
The Board of Education, Tuesday night, approved Superintendent Neal Miller’s recommendation. The ceremony will take place some time during the Glen M. McGinnis Holiday Basketball Tournament held at the end of December. A specific date has not been selected.
“Glen McGinnis has done so much for the students in the district,” Miller said following the meeting. “We really look at him as the person who most exemplifies the great things in Cornwall. With his passing, we want him to be remembered for years to come. He was a champion for children and a tremendous person in our district and community. We feel it’s a nice tribute and well deserved.”
In mentioning only one other facility had been dedicated, Miller said the district has generally not done that because so many great people have come through the doors and it wouldn’t be possible to honor everyone.
“But someone of Glen’s magnitude, it’s certainly appropriate,” said Miller.
During his tenure, McGinnis served the district, for over 50 years, as a middle school social studies teacher and a coach of various sports including softball, modified girl’s soccer, basketball, baseball, and football. Even after he retired, McGinnis continued to coach and stand on the sidelines to offer words of encouragement.
“He had so much influence from the students he coached to the coaches he worked with, the teachers and administration, and the community in general,” said athletic director/high school assistant principal Michael Kroemer. “He absolutely loved these kids and he loved coaching. It was his passion. It was something he looked forward to every single day.”
When McGinnis wasn’t coaching, he would still attend contests.
“You would constantly see him picking the kids up, giving them great words of encouragement,” said Kroemer.
The first football game of the season was dedicated to McGinnis. Kroemer said it was difficult not seeing the long-time coach on the sidelines.
“It was sad for me, but I’m sure it was sad for a lot of folks,” Kroemer said. “Usually you’d show up for a football game, regardless of whether it was home or away, and he’s right there on the sideline patting kids on the shoulder. Just being a presence was great for them.”
The honor is especially touching to social studies teacher and wrestling coach Donald Blaine, who had known McGinnis his entire life – as a family friend, a teacher, and then as a colleague.
