Peru Central School to induct Helen Allen Nerska and Rita H. Hatfield to its Hall of Fame on June 7
The Peru Central School District Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals or organizations who have made a significant impact on our school or achieved an outstanding contribution(s) to society as a graduate of Peru Central. Criteria for the Hall of Fame include, but are not limited to:
1) Outstanding contribution(s) to Peru School
2) Outstanding contribution(s) to society
3) Outstanding career
4) Participation and/or leadership in community activities
5) Significant impact on an individual’s life while associated with Peru School
This year’s inductees for the June 7th ceremony are:
Helen Allen Nerska
SUNY Plattsburgh Graduate
Moved to Canada and then returned to Peru in 2005 to live as the seventh generation on the family farm
Worked for 35 years in Senior Marketing & Administrative Positions
Worked as the Museum Manager for the North Star Underground Railroad Museum from January 2010 – April 2014
Elected President of the Clinton County Historical Association & Museum in January 2011
Took over as the Director of the CC Historical Association & Museum in March 2017
Assigned to the Historian for the Town of Peru in August 2022
Currently the Regional Coordinator of Consider the Source, a NYS Archives Project
On the Board of Directors of The Saranac Chapter of DAR (Treasurer), Northern New York American Canadian Genealogical Society, Women’s Rights Alliance of New York (2nd Vice President), and The League of Women’s Voters of the North Country (Co-President)
Author & Editor of the Clinton County Suffrage Story
Editor of the Heritage Corner (Monthly Publication in the Sun Community News)
Rita H. Hatfield
Born and raised in the Adirondacks
Attended Holy Name Catholic School in AuSable Forks
Graduated from Plattsburgh State University College (Now SUNY Plattsburgh) with a teaching degree
Taught at Peru Elementary School and High School (Retired in 1977)
Engaged in the National Honor Society and the drama club/school plays
The Peru High School yearbook was dedicated to her on more than one occasion with special thanks and appreciation
After retirement from Peru High School, she became highly active in St. Augustine’s Catholic Church teaching bible study and becoming a Lay Eucharistic Minister
In the early 1990s, she became a member of the Order of the Brothers & Sisters of Charity at The Little Portion Hermitage and Monastery in Berryville, Arkansas
Posted: May 5th, 2023 under Education News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru School News, Peru/Regional History.