Hilda Abbot

by Stephanie J. Serrano

She is a woman, highly respected and appreciated by many, for her volunteer work at Nottingham West School. Her name is Hilda Abbott. She’s an energetic and enthusiastic eighty-seven year old woman, eager to give of herself and time to others. This year, Abbott is approaching her fifteenth year as classroom volunteer in Celia Polak’s fourth grade class.

“She’s part of my “A-Team,” says Polak, referring to her two classroom volunteers, Abbott and Kay Anderson. Polak laughs, and says, “not many people remember or ever watched the “A-Team,” but I like the name.

Having raised six of her own children, and experienced grandparenthood nineteen times, Abbott has a heart for the needs of children. “I love kids and intend to do whatever I can to help them,” she says.

“I’m privileged and feel like I have an adopted mother in my classroom” says Polak. Polak says she grew up with the Abbott family. She recalls vivid memories of renting cottages on the beach and always enjoying the company of Abbott’s children. “Hilda has been a wonderful companion and adopted mom to me, too,” says Polak. Perhaps what makes this classroom volunteer effort run so effectively is that Abbott feels much the same way about Polak. “She’s an incredible teacher. I just love her,” says Abbott.

Warm, caring and ever considerate are just a few of the words Polak used to describe this special woman. “You can always count on a smile from Hilda,” says Polak, who claims she smiles even when it’s raining outside. One of Abbott’s morning routines is acting as the classroom meteorologist. The first thing she does, upon entering the classroom is chart the weather for the students.

“All of the little things that Abbott does, adds up to a lot for me,” says Polak. To name a few, Abbott runs errands, buys special craft activities for the classroom, and has on many occasions, thoughtfully organized surprise gifts for Polak. “She even takes care of my annual subscriptions to teaching magazines,” adds Polak.

Abbott’s exceptionally warm and caring attitude is a gift to the children. “She has a unique way of making each child feel special, and she makes it a point to praise each child in front of the entire class,” says Polak.

Abbott also is generous with her time, outside of the classroom. At home, Abbott spends time preparing for some of Polak’s classroom activities. A special classroom tradition, coordinated and led by Abbott is her needlepoint lesson. Abbott prepares canvas, so that each student can create a personalized needlepoint gift for special holidays, such as Mother’s Day, Valentines Day and Christmas. But crafts are just one special contribution Abbott makes in the classroom. She’s equally skilled at helping students to excel in various subjects, such as math and reading. Abbott is described as an avid reader. She reads 10-12 books a week, and says she’s partial to mysteries. “In fact,” says Polak, “Hilda’s vocabulary is so extensive, I’ll usually refer to her, when I’m unclear as to the meaning of a word.”

Abbott volunteers up to five days a week. She begins her day when class opens and ends after she had led the children off for lunch. “She’s an all around, compassionate person,” says Polak. “The kids just love her.”

Abbott works in tandem with volunteer Kay Anderson. Polak says that having both ladies volunteer in her classroom continues to be a wonderful benefit; especially to those students who may not have grandparents of their own. “It’s wonderful for them to experience this age association,” says Polak.

Polak shared another volunteer effort, led by Abbott. “I remember a time when Abbott had knitted several hats for the Salvation Army. She’s done many wonderful things for the Hudson community, but will never brag about her good works,” says Polak. Abbott, who does not like to boast about herself, was gracious to have participated in an interview with the Hudson~Litchfield News. “This is not something I usually do,” she admitted with a modest sincerity.

So what drives this dedicated and well respected woman to continue volunteer in the Nottingham West’s classroom? Abbott reveals her secret, exclaiming, “kids!” They’ll always keep you busy.”