Faith Younquist is just the type of smart, hardworking, enthusiastic and personable young woman that would win over Huntington High School art teacher Robert Potter in short order. A member of the Class of 2020, she plans to study at Binghamton University in preparation for a career as an elementary school teacher.
Ms. Youngquist captured a scholarship presented annually in memory of the beloved teacher and skilled artist at this year’s virtual senior academic awards ceremony, which was held in an online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Huntington High School art teacher Robert Potter passed away suddenly in November 2010.
Mr. Potter passed away suddenly in November 2010, dealing a terrible blow to his family, colleagues and students. The Associated Teachers of Huntington, the professional organization of the district’s teachers, decided to create a scholarship to honor the cherished faculty member’s devotion to the young people of the community.
The ATH announced it would award a $1,000 scholarship for ten consecutive years, which culminated this past June. The criteria for receiving the scholarship states the recipient needs to display an ability to think creatively and to express their unique “voice” in their work, along with showing perseverance and growth in school work, a willingness to challenge oneself and an ability to inspire others.
“When I read about Robert Potter and his impact on the Huntington School District I knew that I would be able to honor his memory through the scholarship,” Ms. Youngquist said. “I always push myself through any challenge that comes my way and try to encourage others to do the same, just like Mr. Potter did for his colleagues and students.”
“‘Inspire U,’ that was the license plate of one of the most dedicated, nurturing and creative teachers that I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” ATH President James Graber said. “Rob Potter was a teacher’s teacher. He was able to get the most from his students by emphasizing the need to persevere in the face of adversity. When he suddenly passed in 2010, it was a devastating loss to the Huntington community. The Robert Potter Memorial Scholarship was created to celebrate his life and recognize those students who embody his spirit. I know that this year’s recipient can live up to one of Rob’s favorite quotes: ‘Don’t quit before the miracle happens.’”
Robert Potter Left Indelible Impression
When Mr. Potter passed away suddenly, teachers and students reacted with stunned disbelief. He left behind his wife, Jan and young daughter Isabel. Described as a “brilliant art teacher and one of the most remarkable people I have ever had the privilege to know and work with,” by then district director of fine and performing arts Joan R. Fretz, Mr. Potter left an indelible impression on the young people in his class.
When a student would hear that Mr. Potter would be their ceramics teacher, a smile would typically come across their face. The more students learned about the creative and caring teacher the more they wanted to be in his class.
Mr. Potter, who taught ceramics (pottery) and sculpture, began working in Huntington in September 2006 after embarking on a major change in his career as an artist. After completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Pratt Institute, he worked for 17 years for famed artist Peter Maxx.
While employed as a practicing sculptor and studying for a master’s degree in art education at Adelphi University, Mr. Potter came to Huntington High School to observe art teacher Kristin Singer’s class. “We knew immediately that he was an incredible artist and teacher,” Mrs. Singer said. “We followed his career and after student teaching, we were thrilled to welcome him to our Huntington art faculty.”
Huntington art teacher Ayallah Jeddah came to Huntington the same year as Mr. Potter. “He was such an inspiration for all of us,” Ms. Jeddah said. “He cared so deeply about his kids and pushed them to express themselves. He made me want to be a better teacher. He was a true teacher through and through.”
Although he was only in his fifth year of teaching at the school, Mr. Potter had developed a notable devotion to everyone at Huntington High School. “He was a great listener and took time to help everyone with anything that they needed,” Ms. Fretz said. “He embraced every child that entered his classroom and took special interest in those who were not succeeding elsewhere. Everyone had a home in Robert Potter’s classroom. Students found a constructive and meaningful way of expressing themselves there. He encouraged them to create art that was symbolic of their thoughts, interests and beliefs.”
“Teaching was his calling,” Mrs. Singer said. “Rob was meant to be a teacher. He was so passionate about his work and helped his students think on a whole different level. In the short four and a half years he was with us, he touched so many lives.”
The Robert Potter scholarship award stands today as one of the most prestigious that any Huntington senior can win.
Robert Potter Scholarship Award Recipients
2020 Faith Youngquist
2019 Alyssa Sorensen
2018 Margaret Giles
2017 Theresa Moreno
2016 Holly Grabowski
2015 Hannah Maiorello
2014 Samantha Guzman
2013 Aasad Miller
2012 Dania Merilan
2011 Patrick Donegan
