Local historian Chuck Langerman has shared that Mr. Charles J. Stamm, a 1967 Cheltenham High School graduate and former CHS social studies, special education, and TV production teacher, passed away on Monday, June 3, in Boynton Beach, Florida. He was 75 years old.

Mr. Stamm’s 33 years as a teacher began in 1974 and lasted until his retirement in 2007. He also coached the wrestling and golf teams and sponsored the Student Council from 1990-1999 as well as four different graduating classes in 1986, 1990, 1991, and 1994.

According to Langerman, Mr. Stamm built the school’s audiovisual program from the ground up and the high school’s TV studio was named in his honor after he retired. As a former President of the Cheltenham Education Association (CEA), he fought for teachers’ rights and benefits and served as a driving force behind the reactivation of the Cheltenham High School Alumni Association in 1977, Langerman noted.

“June 7th was a surrealistic experience for me,” Stamm said of his retirement ceremony in 2008. “Over 100 people that have had an impact on my life were there … It was very moving and gratifying. The last speaker was my daughter, Heather, CHS ’90, who put my career as a teacher, sponsor, coach and parent in perspective. Seeing the plaque on the wall outside the TV Studio was a fitting conclusion to a great day.”

He entered the district as a kindergarten student at Wyncote Elementary in 1953. During his time as a Panther, Stamm was a member of the dance club, jazz club, water safety aid club, wrestling team, band, and orchestra, in addition to serving as Chairman of the Traffic Committee and Homeroom Treasurer his junior and senior years.

Stamm received a master’s degree in history from Arcadia University in 1976, according to his LinkedIn profile.

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Photo: LinkedIn