Friends and family are establishing a scholarship that benefits Baler graduates in memory of longtime San Benito High School Superintendent Gregory Hearn, 81, who passed away in July following a five-month battle with cancer.
Hearn was the district’s superintendent for about 17 years from 1979 to 1996 and “certainly was extremely instrumental in the high school,” said Trustee Evelyn Muro. He had been living in Roseville at the time of his death.
A fund that benefits San Benito High School graduates pursuing college has been set up through the Hollister Rotary Club, his wife, Oralia “Lali” Morales Hearn, told the Free Lance this week.
The superintendent’s legacy included standardizing curriculum and grading for students, bringing subject-area experts into the field of teaching through a special district intern program and focusing on making decisions based on student performance.
Among his lasting contributions to the school were the planning and construction of classrooms and athletic facilities from 1986 until he retired in 1996 without ever floating a bond, according to his obituary provided by Muro.
Hearn is survived by his wife of 32 years; his three children; a brother; and a sister. A memorial service will be held at the Stanford University Faculty Club at 2 p.m. Aug. 16.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions to a scholarship in his name. Checks should be made payable to the Hollister Rotary Club with a note that says “Gregory A. Hearn Scholarship Fund.” They can be mailed to the Hollister Rotary Club P.O. Box 86, Hollister, CA, 95024.
