Festus R-VI Hall of Fame Inductee - Dorothy Horn Moloney
1995 Festus R-VI Hall of Fame Recipient
Dorothy Horn Maloney
Dorothy Horn Maloney exemplifies commitment to education of children and service above self. Dorothy Malone has been an inspiration to others in her drive to be involved in her community, to exhibit excellent character, to dedicate herself to service, and to be a respected professional educator. She has continued to exhibit these qualities throughout her life as an interested citizen of her community and as a respected elementary teacher. Mrs. Maloney is known for her involvement in community activities and her dedication to service.
She cultivated a musical interest and talent in high school by singing in the glee club, accompanying the double quartet, and playing in a saxophone sextet formed by her father. While in high school, she was on the committee that published the first Festus High School yearbook, then known as The Piper. She climaxed her high school music performances by singing a solo at her graduation.
Upon graduating from Festus High School in 1927, Dorothy worked for one year in her father’s business so she could afford to begin college. After one year at Harris Teacher’s College, she transferred to Kansas City Junior College, where she received a two-year certificate. After returning to Festus and passing the county teacher examination, Dorothy began teaching second grade at Festus. During the summers, she attended Southeast Missouri State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.
After several years of teaching second and first grade at Festus, Dorothy married Richard Maloney and moved to Indiana. After World War II, when she and her husband returned to Festus, Dorothy was employed by the Festus School District to teach a private kindergarten. The program was such a success that after one year it became part of the public school system with Dorothy as the first Festus kindergarten teacher. Later, she moved back to teaching first grade, where she stayed until her retirement in 1974. During her 41 years in the Festus School District, Dorothy taught many Twin City residents who remember her playing the piano so they could sing and march. More importantly, they remember her as a bouncy, bubbly, happy teacher who always had a smile for her students.
Dorothy’s impact on education in Festus is not limited to influences on her students. Her peers looked to Dorothy for encouragement and assistance. She has been an inspiration to experienced teachers and an excellent role model for beginning teachers. Many educators have said about Dorothy, “I hope I can be that positive about teaching after I’ve taught that many years.”
Another important aspect of Dorothy’s life is her church work. She has attended the Festus Presbyterian Church since childhood and has been an active member since joining the church at age 18. She is a past elder, past Sunday School superintendent, past choir member, a steward and serves on the New Pastor Committee.
Dorothy’s community involvement is evidenced by her active participation in several different organizations. She is a charter member of the Alpha Iota Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teacher’s organization. She is a 53-year member and past president of Chapter EH of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She is a member, past officer and 1990-91 Woman of the Year of the Festus-Crystal City Business and Professional Women. Dorothy is a life-member of the Jefferson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, logging some five thousand hours of volunteer service and still working in the gift shop and serving as chaplain and committee person. She is a member of the Jefferson County Retired Teachers and the newly formed Friends of the Festus Public Library.