| Graduation Year | Class of 1985 |
| Date of Passing | Apr 06, 2009 |
| About | Longtime teacher Dave Beck dies By: HILARY BENTMAN The Intelligencer He was head of the business and technology department at the school, and with his wife founded the school's successful Cybersonics team. The Palisades community is grieving the sudden loss of a longtime teacher and leader of the high school's award-winning robotics team. Dave Beck, of Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, died Sunday. He had taught at Palisades High School for 25 years. "He was an outstanding teacher and an outstanding mentor," said school principal Rich Heffernan. Friends and coworkers were shocked to learn Monday of Beck's death, the details of which were unavailable Monday afternoon. But the words to describe the educator were easy to come by. Creative, innovative, passionate and respected rolled off the tongues of his co-workers, who recalled Beck's dedication to his students, the hours of free time he spent working with the Cybersonics team and his light-hearted nature. "Dave always had a smile on his face. He was a fun guy, a great, decent fellow to be around," said school board President Michael Lynch. "When you're involved in public education and you think of the very best of public education, Dave is someone you think of." Beck was head of the high school business and technology department, which he helped create, "transforming it from the old ideas of shop," said Superintendent Francis Barnes. In 1991, Beck founded the Cybersonics team, along with his wife, Cathy, who is head of the school's art department. The Beck family is very much a part of the Palisades community. Dave's brother, Jim, is a technology teacher at Palisades Middle School. Jim's wife, Sally, is a music teacher in the elementary schools. "This community will grieve," said Heffernan. Counselors and school psychologists were on hand Monday for students and faculty. Heffernan said they would be available all week. In 2005, Beck was named a Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. He was selected as one of 3,800 teachers nationwide and 133 across Pennsylvania to receive the honor. But it was his work with the Cybersonics team that garnered him the most admiration. Under his and Cathy's tutelage, the students have designed and built robots for regional and national competitions, and put Palisades on the map in the robotics world. Last year's team won the New Jersey regional competition and was a finalist in Pennsylvania's event. They also won awards in Web site design and several other categories. In 2003, the Palisades team placed second in its division nationally and won the Chairman's Award, the highest honor a team can receive. The following year Beck received a national award for teaching excellence from the FIRST Robotics organization. "Dave Beck and his entire family have really grown that program from an idea into one of the most successful programs in the FIRST competition," said Barnes. "They have given so much to this entire school, bringing together kids that wouldn't normally (work together)." Dave Beck is survived by a daughter, Cassandra, a student at St. Joseph's University. Although she did not attend Palisades High School, she also took part in the school's Cybersonics team, said district spokeswoman Donna Holmes. School officials are hoping Beck's death will not mean the end of the Cybersonics program. "I believe Dave would love to see this program continue to flourish," said Barnes. Hilary Bentman can be reached at 215-538-6380 or hbentman@phillyBurbs.com. April 07, 2009 |
