Mrs. Dana Kimmel (November 21st, 1963 - May 22nd, 2007)
Dana Kimmel was a beloved teacher at Great Neck South High School when she passed away. She is a parent of three children, spouse and friend. She died on Tuesday, May 22nd 2007. She taught Economics and AP Psychology for two years at Great Neck South High School.
Mrs. Kimmel graduated from University of Michigan. She received a law degree from Fordham University. She met her husband, Scott Kimmel at Fordham.
After practicing law for 2 years, Mrs. Kimmel attended Columbia University Teachers College and received her Masters in Education. She pursued Education because it was what she truly loved. It was where her passion was.
Mrs. Kimmel's most important lesson was much greater than anything to do with the lesson plan. It was to follow your dreams and do what you are passionate about. Mrs. Kimmel once said "It doesn't matter what you do, it's the kind of person that you are."
She enjoyed teaching because it gave her the opportunity to spend more time with her family. A fellow Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Melissa Crotty explains "Her family was her life but teaching completed her as a person." Mrs. Kimmel had the undeniable ability to affect change. She touched the lives of nearly every student and facult at Great Neck South. She was known as intelligent, warm, intuitive, funny and kind. She was unanimously loved by her students because she treated them with respect.
Michelle Sorise, a fellow Social Studies teacher, explained "She realy was all about doing the right thing and she passed that on to the students she taught."
Senior and AP Psychology Student, Andrea Grinda explained "Mrs. Kimmel wanted to look at each student individually. She was the most honest person."
Students created a memorial for Mrs. Kimmel featured on Facebook.com, which quickly attracted hundreds of students. One student wrote, ""God has sent us an angel. Unfortunately he missed you too much... so now he took you back. I know you'll rest in peace. So, instead, please spread your love across the heaven skies, so our ancestors and loved ones can also enjoy your company."
Senior Colette Lelchuck reflected on her time with Mrs Kimmel in a poem that read, " I was never your student /
something I regret / I longed to be a part of your class / a place no one will ever forget."
Dana Macrigiane, a fellow social studies teacher, looked up to Mrs. Kimmel. She said, "As a mom, she just gives me so much hope. I will never forget any of the advice that she gave me." All the teachers, students and her friends admired her warm, positive, radiant energy. She was considered a best friend by many and to some one of the funniest people they ever met.
Dana Kimmel was an supporter of the Great Neck community and she often brought her whole family to school-sponsored events.
In the year book, the students explained, "You were a shooting star in all our lives; even if it as just for a momemnt. Your radiance reached everyone and your warmth will remain with us forever."
More than 1700 people attended Mrs. Kimmel's funeral at Temple Beth-el. At one point it was standing room only. They closed down what is now Waxman way because there wer so many people that wanted to honor the life of Mrs. Dana Kimmel.
At the funeral, AP Psychology Student, senior Seth Levine, said in his eulogy that "Mrs. Kimmel called her tests celebrations of learning because she always saw the positive in everything and everyone. She touched every single person who saw her smile."
Assistant principal Sharon Applebaum admired Mrs. Kimmel and said, "To touch so many lives in such a short
itme is a really exceptional thing."
Principal Randolph Ross explained "She was as effective with the smartest students as well as the weakest. We lost a great teacher."
Great Neck South will always miss Dana Kimmel and her memory will live on forever in her students, the teachers, her family and the community in general.
Reference: The Southerner, Cover Story by Amy Smith May Issue. Great Neck South Newspaper. (2007)
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D03E2D9173AF937A15756C0A9619C8B63
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