Hilda Lutzke Honored as Older Americans Heritage Month Winner

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. recently recognized Verona resident Hilda Lutzke , a retired English teacher at Weequahic High School in Newark for 40 years and one of the founders of the Newark Teachers Union at an awards ceremony at the Essex County Hospital Center in Cedar Grove.

The nearly 100-year-old Lutzke, who resolved to teach and to advance all of her students, regardless of culture, race or religion, keeps in regular contact with many of her former students. In 2011, at the time she was 98 years old, Ms. Lutzke was the featured guest speaker at her 72^nd high school reunion.

She was born in Newark, attended Newark Public Schools and graduated from Montclair Teacher’s College, now Montclair State University, at the age of 19.

“Today is a special day for me,” Lutzke said. “I taught many generations of students in Newark and my greatest joy is when these students, who are now 80 and 85 years old, visit me and tell me the effect I have had on their lives,” she pointed out.

“Older Americans Month is an opportunity for us to recognize the tremendous contributions our senior citizens have made to shape and mold today’s community, and bring attention to the contributions they continue to make on a daily basis to improve our quality of life,” DiVincenzo said, adding “Active in all aspects of life, our senior population is proving that you don’t slow down after you reach a certain age,” DiVincenzo said.

“The county executive takes the time each month to recognize the diverse cultures and ethnicities present in Essex County and this program is for our older residents. This is a celebration of all your efforts throughout the years and all the positive contributions and things made possible through them,” NJ State Sen. and Essex County Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz said. 

“I want to thank the county executive for honoring our elders,” Freeholder President Blonnie Watson said. “I fit in that category and I’m proud of it. We honor you all today and thank you for all that you have contributed throughout your lives,” she added. 

The award winners were nominated by social service agencies and community organizations that work closely with the Essex Division of Senior Services and were chosen because they are positive role models for the younger generation, have worked tirelessly to assist fellow seniors and made tremendous contributions to improve the quality of life.

Lutzke was among four Essex County residents honored at the ceremony. Other honorees included West Caldwell resident Eva Bouzard-Hui, Newark resident Alma Beatty and East Orange resident Rev. Dr. Leora Liggins.