Former Woodbury Principal Bequeaths Money to District

Helen E. MacMaster, Woodbury High School class of 1941 and former Woodbury teacher and principal, bequeathed the bulk of her cash assets equivalent to $33,424.34 to WHS to award $2,500 scholarships each year to graduating seniors. 

MacMaster’s senior yearbook listed her involvement in the Bible Club, Chemistry, and Nurses Club. It says she had a “sharp wit” and “works hard, but in all that she does she is modest and unassuming.”

After high school graduation, MacMaster went to Pierce Business School for a one-year secretarial course. She worked at several insurance companies before entering Temple University where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. She then went on to get a M.A. and her supervisory and principal certificates from the Teachers College in Columbia University. She joined Woodbury City Public Schools in 1954 as a third-grade teacher at Evergreen Avenue School and held various teaching positions there, at Central School, and at Walnut Street School. 

In 1972, MacMaster became principal of the Central School, then moved to Walnut School where she was not only principal, but director of Special Services. MacMaster retired from the district in 1984 when she was principal of West End School.

At her last evaluation, then Superintendent Claudio Arrington, said, “It has been a pleasure working with Miss MacMaster. The leadership she has provided in administering the West End Memorial School is appreciated.

“Her child-centered approach to education has contributed to the establishment of a humanistic learning environment at West End. Continue your involvement in the field of education as an advocate of children.” 

And, by providing scholarships to Woodbury students in her will, MacMaster is continuing to do just that even though she is no longer with us.