The John R. Margaitis Memorial Scholarship

Established January 24, 2020

By Marion Margaitis

The John R. Margaitis Memorial Scholarship has been established in memory of long-time Region 14 educator, John R. “Jack” Margaitis.  During his nearly four decades teaching elementary and middle school students in the Connecticut Region 14 system, Jack’s intellectual depth, his sense of humor and his gentlemanly demeanor endowed within him the true essence of what it means to be an educator.

For those students fortunate enough to be assigned to his classroom, he unlocked in them their maximum potential for achieving academic excellence.  As both an educator and as a coach, Jack helped his students gain the skills and knowledge required to become capable and creative lifelong learners.  Region 14’s motto: “Your Future Begins Here!” had real meaning for him and his legacy speaks for itself every day in Bethlehem and Woodbury, around Connecticut and throughout the country.  Margaitis alumni are making their mark as responsible members of the world community.

Mr. Margaitis attended the University of Connecticut majoring in history.  He soon recognized that teaching was his vocation.  After gaining his certification, he taught for one year in the Enfield, Connecticut school system before beginning his years of service to Region 14.  Jack loved teaching and coaching and felt that all students would be successful if they worked to their potential and respected those who are part of their lives.  He understood the challenges many students are presented with and respected those who worked hard to achieve their set goals.  This scholarship recognizes two students who embody the ideals that Jack brought to his classroom every day in his long and storied career.