Benjamin Edgar-McNerney Captures Edna Van Wart Math Award

Benjamin Edgar-McNerney is exactly the kind of serious student that would have really hit it off with Edna Van Wart, who worked as a Huntington High School mathematics teacher for 40 years.

Salutatorian of Huntington’s Class of 2024, Mr. Edgar-McNerney captured the $1,000 Edna Van Wart Mathematics Award, presented annually to the high school’s top math student on the accelerated/advanced course level. The teenager plans to attend Binghamton University in the fall. He plans to major in computer engineering.

Mr. Edgar-McNerney attributes his success to perseverance and drive. He said his “stubbornness” allowed him to better himself and hone his talents. If something doesn’t work out he will “try again with twice the effort,” learning from his previous mistakes.

Miss Van Wart graduated from Barnard College in 1919. She taught for three years prior to coming to Huntington and beginning her teaching career in the district in 1922. She was on the faculty for the next four decades before retiring in June 1962. She passed away November 20, 1980.

In 1955, Miss Van Wart became the high school’s first chair of the mathematics department. She also served as senior class advisor for 14 years. Huntington High School’s 1946 and 1962 yearbooks are dedicated to the longtime district teacher.

“We regret her retirement,” said Principal Robert A. Cushman in remarks republished on page 121 of the 1962 edition of the Huntingtonian. “Over the span of forty years, Miss Van Wart has taught skillfully and well thousands of Huntington students. Her warm friendliness, loyal devotion and superior work have inspired and helped generations of students and faculty. We give her our best wishes with the full appreciation in our hearts of the privilege of having known and worked with her. We honor a great teacher.”

The late Thomas S. Chieffo, one of Miss Van Wart’s most dedicated and loyal students and a member of Huntington’s Class of 1958 funded and presented the award for many years. When he passed away, his daughter decided to continue funding the award in memory of her dad and in recognition of his admiration for Miss Van Wart.

Three members of Mr. Chieffo’s family were on hand at Huntington’s annual scholarships and awards ceremony in the high school auditorium to present this year’s scholarship.

A member of the last class of seniors that graduated out of the old high school building on Main Street, Mr. Chieffo went on to earn a BS degree at Manhattan College. He retired as a chief engineer with Penick, a worldwide engineering company.