Gratitude for Hyde blooms: SHS staff constructs park in former assistant principal’s honor

All is quiet in the little area behind the library. Red flowers surround circular tables and benches, forming a serene area, and two students eat at one of the black tables. In the middle of this tranquil area, a street sign proudly states “Hyde Park.”

This area, symbolizing all the work and the commitment of former assistant principal Karen Hyde, is a tribute to her many years of teaching and guiding students.

After 36 years as an administrator at the school, Hyde retired. Numerous celebrations and ceremonies were held at the end of the school year to say goodbye to this dedicated administrator, who made a difference in the school as well as in many students’ and teachers’ lives.

Assistant principal Kevin Mount was one of many who wanted to find some way to thank Hyde for all that she has done.

“One day, I was just driving past, and I thought, Hyde Park,” Mount said. “All of us talked it over and began planning.”

The process started in December of 2011, Mount explained. The SHS Foundation donated the money needed for the park’s construction. Volunteers helped clear all the previous concrete and rocks in the area. 

“We chose to do a park because it was appropriate; Mrs. Hyde loves to garden,” said Mount. “It made the place a little more beautiful.”

Plant operations supervisor Brian Moran and maintenance crew member Bart Fitzgerald played a major part in the construction of the garden. 

According to Mount, they contributed to the preparation of the concrete for a path and helped get the space ready for gardening. Planting and beautifying the space was finished by early May, just in time for Hyde’s departure.

“It was this big secret,” said Mount. “Mrs. Hyde seemed really surprised.”

At the end of Hyde’s 36-year term, a heartfelt ceremony took place on May 30.

The parents had a celebration out in the quad for her, and the staff gathered at the park, Mount said.

The entire staff and students said their goodbyes to Hyde, celebrating the many great efforts she has given to the school.

“Mrs. Hyde taught me that at the end of the day, the reward is that you’ve made a difference, even if it’s not on a plaque somewhere,” said ASB President Sasan Saadat. “Mrs. Hyde is the best example of this kind of leader.”

Saadat explained that Hyde Park was a little way of repaying Mrs. Hyde for the “huge debt of recognition the school and community owes to her.”

“Her commitment was clear, she loved working with teenagers, she wanted the best for the kids,” said Mount. “She truly loved SHS.”