A teacher’s impact lives in ways that often extend far beyond the classroom. As the 2024-25 school year comes to a close, we remember three wonderful teachers who we lost too soon. Joseph Klinedinst, Pamela Hains and Mathew Zimmerman will always be remembered for their incredible talent, kindness and impact on Dallastown. 

Joseph Klinedinst

On July 27, 2024, Dallastown suffered the devastating loss of Joseph Klinedinst. Klinedinst was a talented, well-liked teacher who touched the lives of each student and staff member in the high school. 

He was highly respected for his strength, dedication and love for teaching. Klinedinst taught various video production and film courses during his 24 years at Dallastown. He took great pride in advising the Video Production Club and Wildcat TV’s daily morning announcements.

Senior Connor Fegley had Klinedinst during his first trimester as a freshman in high school. He fell in love with film and continued to take video production courses throughout his four years at Dallastown. 

“Mr. Klinedinst was my role model. He was always a go-getter and always wanted all of his students to succeed,” Fegley said.

Klinedinst was the reason he is pursuing film further, attending University of Connecticut in the fall.

“His work ethic was amazing, never letting anything stop him, whether it was film or all of his races.  He was truly a hero.”

Outside of teaching, Klinedinst lived his life to the fullest. He truly loved the outdoors and sports. His craving for challenge led him to completing numerous impressive athletic feats including multiple marathons, triathlons, and hiking the entire Appalachian Trail.

 Klinedinst combined two of his passions, sports and helping others, leading him to start his own business called “JK Endurance Coaching.”

His love for sports also guided him to coach several sports, including wrestling, baseball and track, throughout his time teaching at Dallastown. 

Of all of his hobbies and passions, Klinedinst’s greatest joy in life was his family. He loved spending time with his wife and two daughters. Klinedinst enjoyed family trips and cheering on his daughters in all of their endeavours, including swim meets and dance recitals.

His spirit and ambition were nothing short of inspirational. Although his time here at Dallastown was cut short, we will be forever grateful for the years we were given with him. His impact will be greatly missed.

Pamela Hains

On Jan. 18, Dallastown once again lost one of its own. Pamela Hains was a beloved math teacher, known for her immense kindness and infectious laugh.

She had an impact on each student she taught, making mathematics an enjoyable course. Hains taught various courses during her 18 years at Dallastown, but she especially loved teaching geometry. 

Senior Elizabeth Tony had Hains for geometry during her sophomore year of high school. 

“Mrs. Hains made one of the most commonly hated math subjects one of the best classes of my high school years,” Tony said.

Hains loved helping her students and always encouraged them to ask questions, never continuing the lesson until each student understood. She walked around the classroom constantly, ensuring each student got her undivided attention on each problem.

“Mrs. Hains was one of the sweetest teachers and everyone who I know that had her, loved her,” Tony said.

Dallastown senior, Perry Warner, had Hains his sophomore year and remembers her fondly.

“She signed my yearbook that year, it was a very meaningful quote, and I’m very grateful she ended up doing it. It will be a class I remember, although Geometry wasn’t my favorite, she was someone I could rely on getting through the day and making the start of my day great!” Warner said.

Outside of the classroom, Hains kept busy with her many hobbies including yoga, barre class, riding her bike, crafting, reading, and camping. She also had a soft spot for all animals. However, Hains loved spending time with her family the most. She had a large family. In fact, she was the youngest of 14 siblings. She was also a wonderful wife and mother to her two daughters.

It is undeniable that Hains’ kindness and smile made a significant mark on the Dallastown students and staff. Her ability to look on the bright side in every situation was remarkable, and something we will carry with us forever.

Mathew Zimmerman 

Dallastown was struck with loss yet again on April 26. Mathew Zimmerman was an inspirational member of the Dallastown community. He taught middle school earth science for 31 years, 25 of them being at Dallastown. 

Zimmerman’s most notable legacy is his love for the game of soccer. He was an extremely passionate coach for 20 years. During this time he coached both the Dallastown Girls Soccer Team and the Dallastown Boys Soccer Team, as well as four additional teams. 

Gabriel Wunderlich, a Dallastown graduate and current substitute teacher, is one of many players Zimmerman coached, and they formed an extra special relationship.

“Zimm really meant a lot to me. I have known him from my days at FC York as a kid. He taught me valuable life lessons such as discipline, mental toughness, and working with others. He always pushed me to get 1% better every day not only on the field, but in life. He made an emphasis to not only be a better player, but a better student, sibling, friend, and person,” Wunderlich said.

After Wunderlich graduated, he kept in close contact with Zimmerman. He attended many of Wunderlich’s college soccer matches at Alvernia University.

“We would always text and call about the soccer world, and just life in general. Once I began coaching, he was someone I tried to bounce ideas off.”

Zimmerman battled cancer for over six years, never letting the disease hold him back.

“I remember when he told us he was sick my junior year, just two days before a district match against Chambersburg. He also made it a point to tell us that we should not let anything in life stand in the way. We went on to win and upset a higher ranked Chambersburg team.” Wunderlich said.

Zimmerman took the tough love approach when on the sideline, pulling the most out of each player. He was well known for his passion, humor and quick wit.

“ I will miss his classic one-liners he would make. I developed an extremely close relationship with Coach Zimmerman over the years, and he will be greatly missed. I hope to carry on his legacy and his values not only through coaching, but in life. I am forever grateful to have had someone like Matt Zimmerman in my life.”

Zimmerman was determined to live out his remaining time on Earth doing the things he loved. Besides coaching or watching soccer, specifically the Premier League, he frequently traveled and went on new adventures. Zimmerman also enjoyed spending time with his friends, daughter, wife and two dogs.

Dallastown math teacher, Mike Grassel, worked with Zimmerman for 12 years, getting to know him well.

Grassel noted “his sarcastic sense of humor, honesty and love for his wife and daughter.”

Zimmerman had a unique ability to fill the room with laughter. His strong personality and fearless leadership was unmatched.

“He loved his fútbol.  He was witty and never afraid to speak his mind, whether that was popular or not. He will be missed.” Grassel said.

Zimmerman’s strength and devotion to both teaching and the sport of soccer, were unmatched. The humor and enthusiasm he carried with him will always hold a special place in the heart of Dallastown.