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Long time East High teacher passes away
by Lindsey Goldsmith
O&B Editor
On Saturday, January 23, East High staff and students suffered a tragic loss. Ms. Alberta "Abby" Burns passed away in her home overnight. The cause of death was determined to be congestive heart failure.
Ms. Burns had been a teacher at East for 25 years, working in the special needs department. Along with her job as a teacher, she was also involved in many community organizations, such as Civitan, the Black Hawk County League of Women Voters, and the Black Hawk Country Democratic Party.
At East, Ms. Burns was involved in a new program to integrate special needs students into the classroom. She worked with Marla Padget to incorporate special needs students into the goverment classes.
"She developed strategies to help the students," said Padget. "She was our local goverment expert. The students were able to get two different points of view on the issues."
Mrs. Padget's leadership class has decided to start up a scholarship fund in Ms. Burns' name as their service project this semester.
Jean Kruger, English teacher, worked with Ms. Burns for twelve years. She said that Abby always cared a great deal for every one of her students and was willing to work at helping each individual become successful
"With Abby at the helm, a job was successfully completed. She nevcer let you down," said Kruger. "I still can't believe that she is gone. I am going to miss a dear friend."

Updated 3/10/00 by Mike Bowser