Former Rumson Fair Haven Regional HS Teacher Honored With Tree

RUMSON, NJ — A tree was planted in front of the Fair Haven Regional High School in memory of a beloved former teacher.

George Giffin taught at RFH for 35 years, between 1956 to 1991. He was the science department chair and founded the drill team.

Some of his former students said that Giffin made Biology fun and taught 16-year-olds how to properly shoot a basketball. He also helped with all student governments and activities and gently encouraged everyone to find their passion in life.

"He was loved and admired by all who came into contact with him," an RFH representative said.

The Steering Committee, made up of members from the RFH Class of 1973, partnered with the RFH Education Foundation to raise monies to create the George Giffin Memorial Fund. They have raised $82,000 to date, with donations from friends and alumni from 32 graduating classes.

The fund will help support grants to students, teachers and administrators and fund projects and interests for which Giffin had a passion.

The granite memorial marker placed in front of the tree was donated by Uras Monuments of Middletown. The long leaf Linden tree was bought through donations from Jeff Hugel and Bill Brinckerhoff, classmates from the RFH Class of 1973.

The fund will remain open on the website to receive future donations. The most recent donation received was a gift from the Class of 1970 following the celebration of their 50th Class Reunion.

Some Giffin family members were at the tree-planting ceremony, as well as friends and former students, members of the George Giffin Memorial Fund, RFH Education Committee members, school administrators and Board of Education member.

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