Richard L. Stear graduated from the former West High School now known as Wilson Magnet School. After graduating from the University of Rochester, he joined the Peace Corps and went to Nigeria, where he taught English for three years. Upon his return, he was hired by the Rochester City School District as an English teacher where he shared his passion for language and literature with the hundreds of students he had the honor of teaching during his tenure at West High School and Madison High School.
      After a few more years in the classroom, Mr. Stear became the Head of the English Department at Edison Technical High School and was promoted to Director of English for the entire Rochester City School District where he served until his retirement in 2002. He was also president of the Association of Supervisors and Administrators of Rochester (ASAR), an organization that was near and dear to his heart.
     Mr. Stear was respected and admired by both students and coworkers. He was a man of great integrity and no matter what the challenge was, he was dedicated to giving his personal best. Behind his strong work ethic was the simple philosophy that if you work hard and believe in yourself, anything is possible. That is the premise behind the Richard L. Stear Memorial Dream Award. It is a testament to the pursuit of happiness and making good things happen for others.