“He made us want to be better, do better and support one another.”
That is how Interim Superintendent Donna Geidel summarized former Superintendent Tim O. Mains on Saturday when she dedicated the Tim O. Mains Auditorium at Pine Bush High School.
The district held a ceremony in honor of the late superintendent to celebrate his life and dedicate the auditorium in his memory. Mr. Mains was a supporter of many different programs in the district but had a special affinity for the arts and music.
“Mr. Mains was particularly passionate about the importance of the arts,” said Mrs. Geidel in her dedication. “Pine Bush did not have a middle school drama program until Mr. Mains joined our district. He noticed that right away and made it one of his missions. He helped us establish an exemplary program.”
The district is also installing new lighting in the auditorium, in Mr. Mains’ name.
Mrs. Geidel mentioned that Mr. Mains attended every drama and musical production as well as all school concerts. To honor him, each concert and production this year included an empty seat for him.
In her remarks, Mrs. Geidel said Mr. Mains was the smartest man she ever knew and talked of admiring him from the day she met him.
“His dedication and love for the Pine Bush Central School District is unmatched,” she said. “From the day we met him, we knew he would be a wonderful leader, mentor, friend to all our students, staff and families. His positive attitude and compassionate nature endeared him immediately to all of us.”
His light was felt by all who met him.
“He was a shining example of a wonderful man who changed the lives of children and staff he worked with in our district,” said Mrs. Geidel.
Pine Bush School Board President Gretchen Meier spoke about how she would drive past the district office at 9 p.m. and see one car in the parking lot. She would call him and encourage him to get home.
“I would stay on the line until I hard the car door close, either in the parking lot or when he arrived home,” she said with a chuckle.
But there were also tears. “He worked his heart out for us,” she said through her tears. “He was humble, strong and truly loved people. He loved theater – he bought extra tickets to share his passion. For this reason, I feel the dedication of this auditorium is right. Every student will pass through this space, between their freshman orientation, assemblies and productions, and they will know him and they will feel his spirit for Pine Bush. Thank you, Tim O.”
David Gardner, Mr. Mains’ husband, spoke to the energy he dedicated to all he did.
“Tim put a lot of work and energy into his opening convocation that he had in the auditorium,” said Mr. Gardner. “He recognized the many successes of those from the previous year essentially giving opportunity for groups and individuals to stand and be recognized. He welcomed those who were new to the school district, presented awards for service and set the framework for the new year. And this past year he did it with a broken ankle on a scooter. You just couldn’t hold that man down.”
He knew Mr. Mains would love this honor.
“Tim would be so proud of the dedication of the auditorium today being named for him,” said Mr. Gardner. “Here at Pine Bush, he was always reaching for the next opportunity to make a difference. I thank you for honoring his loving presence in this world.”
To watch the tribute and dedication, click here.
Tim O. Mains Scholarship presented
In his honor, the district established the Tim O. Mains Memorial Scholarship to be presented to two graduating seniors who have shown outstanding academic achievement. The first two recipients of the $1,000 scholarships are Nate’ Burley and Joseph Darrell. They attended the ceremony along with their parents.
