This month, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA) marked the retirement of three people who each supported students for dozens of years — second-grade teacher Marsha Cowan, school nurse Elisa Pener and volunteer speech therapist Maxine Benson.
“Together, Cowan, Pener and Benson have embodied compassionate leadership and devoted care — qualities that have defined the HBHA experience for generations of students,” HBHA School Rabbi Elizabeth Bonney-Cohen said. “Their dedication has shaped the school’s culture in ways that will ripple through classrooms and conversations for years to come.”
Cowan and Pener were honored with a campus celebration attended by colleagues, families and friends. The event recognized their decades of service and the care they have shown to generations of HBHA students, featuring speeches from colleagues and scrapbooks filled with well-wishes and photos of memorable moments. Each was gifted personalized artwork, handcrafted by HBHA staff in appreciation of their lasting impact.
Cowan is retiring after a 46-year teaching career, including 29 years at HBHA, where she ultimately found her home in the second-grade classroom. Holding a K–9 teaching certification, she taught nearly every grade level over the course of her career. Her passion for learning and professional growth was evident in her pursuit of ongoing development, ranging from social-emotional learning to language arts and math pedagogy.
Cowan said she will miss the kindness of her colleagues and the smiles of her students, and she deeply values the unique joy of watching former students grow up and remain part of the HBHA community.
Pener served as HBHA’s school nurse for 30 years, known not only for her medical care but also for her calm presence and willingness to pitch in wherever needed. From tending to scraped knees and teaching health to managing schedules and supporting lunch and recess duty, she embraced every part of school life — and quickly became an integral part of the HBHA family. Pener says she’ll miss caring for the HBHA community but looks forward to her newfound free time, which she plans to spend with her family.
Benson has supported HBHA students for the past decade. A seasoned professional with more than 50 years of experience in early childhood education and speech therapy, Benson worked with roughly 15 students a year, helping them develop clarity, confidence and strong communication skills. Though never an employee, she became a beloved part of the school community.
Benson, who describes HBHA as her “happy place,” will now spend more time in Florida with her husband.
Maxine Benson