Henry T. Hillson was the third principal of Midwood. He was commemorated on May 3, when his portrait was finally hung among those of the other principals, in room 445. He was principal from 1969-1972
    “As far as I was concerned, it (Hillson’s career as Midwood’s principal) was much too brief,” said Mr. Harris Sarney, a teacher who had worked with him.
    Hillson passed away a few years ago. His daughter Jean and her son Jonathan attended in his honor. Everyone clapped and took pictures as Mr. Eugene Resnick unveiled the portrait. It was provided by Continental Studios and had been difficult to obtain, after all the years since his employment.
    Before he was the principal, he worked in Midwood as the Assistant Principal of Social Studies. He retired after being Midwood’s Principal.
    His colleagues and family all described him as kind and compassionate. His family was a Midwood family. His daughters graduated in 1957 and 1961. His wife taught English.
    “He instilled values and high standards in me that he also applied at work,” said Jonathan, who is naming his newly born son Henry in memory of his grandfather.
    He was the kind of person who would take a stand behind his belief even if it was unconventional. He received many letters from students and parents thanking him for his help during difficulties. The Henry T. Hillson award for outstanding scholarship and character is presented at graduation in his honor.
    “He was the last of the scholarly principals,” said Mrs. Maura McGovern, a teacher who started her career in 1970. “He was a real gentleman.”
     Ms. Janice Pumelia introduced the ceremony. Then the current principal, Mr. David Cohen gave a speech. Finally, the teachers and family members recounted their experiences with Hillson. Each teacher told of his/her experience teaching under him, and they only had good things to say.
    “Hillson was a principal in an especially hard time period,” said Sarney, “He was there when all the students tried to walk out after the news of Nixon’s invasion of Cambodia. Four [Kent State U.] students had been shot in April, but he convinced them all to go back to class.”