School Renamed in Honor of Charlie Hayden

Day School changes name as gathering of 150 people attend dedication of Charles F. Hayden School at BGV

Charlie at the 2006 golf tournament

  On Tuesday Sept. 9, 2008, more than 150 officials and invited guests gathered on the Milford campus of Boys & Girls Village to re-dedicate its K-8 Day School for special needs students in memory of the late Charles "Charlie" F. Hayden. 

Agency sign on Milford campus

For many years, Hayden, a former teacher and principal in the Milford public school system until his retirement, was an agency board member, former board president, major donor and active volunteer at the Milford-based not-for-profit agency serving at-risk children and their families, said CEO Ken Fellenbaum. 

Fellenbaum said the school has been renamed the "Charles F. Hayden School at Boys & Girls Village" in his honor. 

Members of the Hayden family, center, and others from the crowd of more than 150 who attended the Hayden School dedication on 9/9/08

"Many, many good things have happened here at Boys & Girls Village as a result of Charlie's active leadership, including his time as board president and as chair of the Day School's oversight subcommittee," added Fellenbaum. "His experience and leadership were invaluable in the maturation and growth of our day school program." 

During his career that spanned decades, Hayden was principal at the former Kay Avenue School, now West Shore Middle School, and previously taught at Calf Pen Meadow School. The West Haven High School and Southern Connecticut State University graduate served in the Navy during the Korean War. 

The Marble and Stone monument on the grounds of the Milford Day School

Charlie and his wife, Dot, were also generous with their time as volunteers at special events, as well as major donors to the Village." 

In addition to his service at the Village, Hayden was also active in the Milford Rotary Club, served as past president of the Milford Education Association and the Milford Association of School Administrators, as well as being an avid member of the Mastiff Club of America and Three Rivers Mastiff Club.