Donald Scott
July 2, 1942—November 4, 2010
The Manhasset Public School District and community lost a great teacher, coach, mentor and friend on Thursday, November 4, 2010, as Don Scott, science teacher, track and cross country coach for four decades passed away after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Having taught in Manhasset since 1968, Don Scott had a remarkable impact on students
during the span of 42 years during which he enjoyed many wonderful memories. His classroom appeared like a museum displaying artifacts, specimens, scientific journals and text that he collected throughout his career. He had all of these valuable items on display for students to observe, to touch, and to investigate. His enjoyment of the sciences was strongly evident especially when students and colleagues were interested in his displays. He happily answered their questions and talked about the science he loved so much, Biology. In celebration of Coach Scott’s 500th varsity boys cross country win on October 21, his prepared statement included the following: “I have always focused on the total student and used the classroom and coaching as a motivation of students. If they were strong students, they were encouraged to run. For the less academic student on the team, they were encouraged to get better academically. I would talk to their teachers, call their parents, and if they were strong enough academically, they could go to college and compete both academically and athletically.”
Don Scott is remembered for many things, but mostly for being a caring person who guided and affected the lives of thousands of students.
