Shrewsbury High School Teacher Loses Battle with Cancer

Principal Todd Bazydlo emailed this letter to families at the high school.

Dear families:

It is with a heavy heart that I report to you that one of our chemistry teachers, Mrs. Julie Benson, has died after a five-year battle with cancer. For those of you who knew Mrs. Benson, she was a dedicated, kind, and caring teacher who held high expectations and standards for her students and would not settle for anything less than the best.

Although she had many accomplishments and years of experience as an engineer prior to her becoming a teacher, what she was most proud of was the work she did with her students at Shrewsbury High School. Mrs. Benson was a highly effective teacher and positive role model for all of us. Over the last few years Mrs. Benson found the inner strength and energy to battle her illness through her interactions with students and staff alike. Mrs. Benson's courage and determination while faced with overwhelming odds speaks volumes about the type of person she was, there was no challenge too great or no issue too small that Mrs. Benson would not take on. She always worked her hardest to accomplish a goal or complete a task and always did this with her students' best interests in mind. Her work ethic and positive outlook on life should serve as model for every member of our school community.

We have convened our school crisis team and brought in additional counselors to work with students and staff members who may have a difficult time with the news of Mrs. Benson's passing. We have identified her former students who are currently enrolled at the high school and have shared this list with all staff to help identify students who may have difficulty coping with this terrible news. Today, at the start of period 2 (8:40 a.m.), I read the above statement to our entire school community. Students and staff will also have the opportunity to write their memories and thoughts in a remembrance book located in the Guidance office. At the end of the week we will present the memory book to Mr. Benson and his family. If students or families want to give the Benson family a card, we will be collecting these in the main office and guidance office. If your son or daughter is having a difficult time dealing with Mrs. Benson's passing please contact your child's guidance counselor.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Benson's family and friends.

Sincerely,

Todd Bazydlo
Principal
Shrewsbury High School