In 1966, a newly married couple found themselves in a community that they believed was going to be a pit stop. Fast forward, and after a few years of making some lifelong friends and finding a community that they grew to love, Phil and Maryann Hoff decided that the Milton Area School District and the Milton area was where they were going to focus their energy, their heart, and raise their family.
Through the many years, they impacted numerous students along the way. Phil, as a coach, a teacher, an assistant principal, and eventually the High School Principal. Or, as many knew him, ‘the rock’ on the basketball court where he spent hours playing with kids and becoming a trusted guide. Maryann held multiple roles at many schools in the district, as an English teacher, a special education teacher, and the driving force of a first-class journalism program. Many of her students will tell you it was that red pen that led to their communications successes.
But it isn’t just the academic achievements that define their commitment. In fact, much of the impact they had was outside of the classroom. They always connected with their students, finding ways to reach them and support them. The stories are endless. And they truly had a ripple effect that will continue beyond even their understanding.
It was the foster student who was suddenly out of a home once again, and would soon be taken from the school where she was actually having success. There was no way Phil Hoff was going to let that happen. And through the course of discussions with the judge at the time, that girl made her way to the Hoff residence, where she stayed until a safe and stable home in the district could be found.
It was the star basketball player who didn’t have high tops. And suddenly, there was a pair of new white converse in his locker. Or the student who didn’t have a coat—and one day a new one appeared in their locker.
It was the grown student, who shared recently, the reason he stayed in school was because Maryann wouldn’t let him quit. ‘You literally saved my life.’
It was the hours and hours of counseling in the back of her classroom, where Maryann would spend time with kids who just needed an ear.
So many stories. So much to be celebrated. And so much to be learned by their example. That is the intent of the Impact Fund.