Robert Rowlands is the first of the Sidney School teachers to be inducted into the Wall of Fame largely because of his impact on the young people he taught and coached is a lasting one breeding loyalty and love from students spanning his 25 years teaching in Sidney.
Mr Rowlands began teaching fifth grade in the Pleasant Street School and at the end of his first year in Sidney moved with that class to sixth grade after which he taught eighth grade English for five years. He then became the first guidance Counselor for Junior High School students and finished his career with fifteen years as Guidance Counselor in the high school. He was instrumental in the development of the educational program, and its selection crieteria, for the academically challenged.
Mr. Rowlands was a favorite coach of many students, coaching freshman basketball for six years, girls' basketball for two years and eighth grade baseball for one year. He was the official scorer for Varsity boys' basketball from 1954-1976.
Having graduated from New Berlin High School he entered the US military service where he served in ordinance in Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. After being transferred to Georgia he was sent into combat and was wounded, earning a Purple Heart.
Mr. Rowlands then earned a Bachelor of Education Degree from Oneonta State Teachers College, a Master's Degree and School Administration and Supervision from Syracuse University, and a Master's Degree in Guidance Counseling from Colgate University. He also attended a Boston University Summer Program on Counseling and won a General Electric scholarship.
Mr. Rowlands is well-known for academic and educational credentials; for his influence, impact and involvement with students to guide them in a positive direction; for volunteering thousands of hours of his time to enable 'non-varsity' students to participate in athletic programs that without his leadership and volunteerism would not have been available; for 17 years of post-retirement volunteering at The Hospital assisting with the development and implementation of rehabilitation programs for patients needing physical therapy; for his active support of the Alumni Association; and for the continuing love of students who feel that his guidance helped them to make necessary, important and positive career and `life' decisions.