• The Jack Hontz Endowment

    Created in the fall of 2017 to honor the legacy and enduring impact WSSD Music Department Chairperson and Strath Haven High School Instrumental Music Educator Mr. Jack Hontz had on the Wallingford-Swarthmore Community.

    Since joining the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District in 1983, giving the gift of music and art to the Wallingford-Swarthmore community had always been what Mr. Hontz strived for. This constant enthusiasm is an offshoot of his lifelong desire to surround himself and others with music. Mr. Hontz created an atmosphere in which learning and growth could thrive and students could blossom, not just as artists and musicians,  but as people.

    Mr. Hontz’s outstanding musicianship and teaching skills were never focused solely on the highest performing or most committed students. He understood the value of balance in a student’s life and worked passionately to help all of those interested in participating, even if academics or other extracurricular activities were their main priority.

    Mr. Hontz strived to make the Wallingford-Swarthmore community a home for the arts.  He involved students from all different backgrounds and created an environment of acceptance and growth.

    The Jack Hontz Endowment serves to support Wallingford-Swarthmore School District students from elementary through high school level who need financial assistance to further their music and artistic endeavors and skills no matter their ability or past experience. Students may apply for an endowment award by contacting their WSSD music and art teachers.

    If you would like to make a contribution to the Jack Hontz Endowment, please contact Ms. Jennifer Rodgers, jrodgers@wssd.org.;  Mr. John Shankweiler, WSSD Music Department Chair; jshankweiler@wssd.org or Grace Loyd, Wallingford-Swarthmore Music Association President; president@wssdmusic.org.