Cynthia Quinn

Cynthia Quinn (deceased), art teacher and track coach, beloved by her students and peers. She made a lasting impression on countless young lives. Quinn was murdered while on a Saturday morning run 20 years ago.

“Cynthia Quinn was a PMHS art teacher and cross-country coach who positively affected the lives of many students and athletes. Ms. Quinn’s own life was tragically cut short in 1997 at the young age of 32. Despite her early passing, her life and work as an educator has had resoundingly positive, rippling effects on my—and others’—lives that continue to this day.

“As an Olympic athlete, entrepreneur, coach and motivational speaker, I’ve come a long way from the timid and unsure student who first stepped onto the PMHS campus in the Fall of 1993. Like many in the PMHS area, I came from a working-class family with limited resources and regional aspirations. As a coach, Cynthia took the time to encourage me athletically as well as academically. Through her genuine, deeply caring nature she bolstered my confidence and persuaded me to seriously consider a college education. With Cynthia’s encouragement I went on to win a New York State track and field championship which afforded me the opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division I level. For the first time in my life I felt that had a true purpose.

“I was shocked to see success unfolding in front of me so quickly by way of applying the skills and lessons I learned from Cynthia. Sadly, just as I began to recognize my potential, I received the news of Cynthia’s passing. Thanks to her guidance (and my other late PMHS coach, Bill Clendenon) I went on to earn a degree, become a three time All-American at the University of Tennessee, a U.S. National Champion and an Olympian.

It is important to recognize that one being’s influence on another is not adequately measured in years, it is measured in heart. Cynthia had endless amounts of heart that to this day continues to affect my life and the lives of many, many others. She embodied the purest manifestation of an educator any of us could ever dream to conjure.”

— Anthony Famiglietti, Olympian, PMHOF Class of 2018