Published: May 16, 2008 10:20 pm      

PROFILE: Recognizing a ‘real community hero’

Mullen Elementary School teacher Susan Heiss is not one to seek attention, but a lot of organizations in Western New York know who she is.

That’s because the pre-kindergarten teacher has been the driving force behind a number of fundraising efforts that have touched many lives both inside and outside of the City of Tonawanda.

“To me, she’s a real community hero,” said Mullen Principal John McKenna. “It’s gone beyond our school, the things that she’s done.”

The Mullen PTA named Heiss a recipient of its annual “Lifetime Membership Award” for her dedication and service not only to the school, but also the city community and beyond. “She’s definitely spearheaded some great projects that have definitely helped our kids learn about empathy and caring,” McKenna said.

Heiss has taught 12 years at Mullen — nine as a third-grade instructor and the past three in pre-K. About six years ago, she initiated December as a “Month of Caring” at Mullen School, where the children and staff raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

One of Heiss’ students had her wish granted through Make-A-Wish before she passed away.

“She was really touched by what they did for her, and I wanted to do something in her name,” Heiss explained.

Over the years, Mullen School has raised more than $20,000 for the foundation and granted the wishes of five children. In December, 275 people attended a movie night at Mullen, making it possible for a Tonawanda girl with a life-threatening illness to travel to Walt Disney World Resort. Heiss says Mullen teachers and parents are a big part of that success, but McKenna credits her with taking the initiative.

“She’s one of those point people that makes stuff happen,” he said.

In addition to helping Make-A-Wish, Heiss began a program called “Mullen Angels.” Each month, students donate boxes of items to send to patients in the pediatric ward at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Heiss’ Pre-K students are constantly bringing in their own toys from home to donate to the kids at Roswell.

“It’s really nice to see that kids as young as 4 and 5 can be so appreciative and caring and concerned with others,” she said. “That’s kind of magical to me.”

With so much attention focused on meeting state assessment standards, Heiss said it’s still important to teach kids about character.

Heiss grew up in the city and was educated in Tonawanda schools. She graduated from Buffalo State College and landed her first teaching position at Mullen.

“I definitely love my job,” she said. “I feel lucky to come here every single day.”

Mullen’s principal said Heiss was reluctant to accept any attention Wednesday when the award was handed out.

“It was very touching,” Heiss said. “It was very special because the school’s been such a part of me for many years.”

Perhaps indicative of her hesitance to be in the limelight, Heiss wasn’t even sure of the official name of the award. When asked if its named the Lifetime Membership award, she said, “I think it is.”

Contact reporter David J. Hill at 693-1000, ext. 115.