William Scott Beaman, age 77 of Ann Arbor passed away on August 31, 2017.
William came to the Plymouth Canton Community Schools in 1967. For 34 years, Scott did what he loved, he taught history. He loved history, and he felt deeply about the importance of imparting this knowledge to his students. He taught Advanced Placement U.S. History, Modern European History and European History. Scott was a person who went far beyond what was expected of a teacher. He took his students on trips to see history first hand. He created an environment for authentic learning when his AP History culminated in the annual Chautauqua, held on the school grounds. Scott also participated in multi-disciplinary education with the Humanities Department.
Due to his dedication, Scott became known as "Mr. Salem". He earned this title because of his many contributions to the Salem community. He became the advisor for the National Honor Society and Academic Quiz Bowl, he read the daily announcements, and he read the names of the graduates at commencement every June. Scott was the administrator of summer school for many years. For nearly fifty years, Scott supervised the athletic ticket sales for all three high schools. In this capacity, he was responsible for coordinating a work force to sell tickets for all Park athletic events.
Scott was a valued member of the PCEP community. Most recently, he has been honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Salem Athletic Department. His name will be added to the Wall of Champions at Salem High School. Over the years, he has received several other awards, such as the Extra Miler and an honor from the Salem men's swim team.
Mr. Beaman, "Mr. Salem", set an example for all about how to be a good teacher, a good colleague and a good person. His work ethic is summed up by this quote: "People are not excellent because they achieve great things; they achieve great things because they choose to be excellent."
Scott is the dear brother of Nancy Tanke and the late Robert Houghton Beaman who passed away in 2012. He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his niece and nephew, Elizabeth Ann Martin and Scott R. (Whitney) Tanke and great-nieces and nephew, Emily Martin, Lucy Tanke and William R. Tanke.
Friends may visit for a memorial gathering at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M. A Memorial Service will follow at the Funeral Home beginning at 2:30 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of William S. Beaman to the Educational Excellence Foundation, c/o Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 454 South Harvey, Plymouth, Michigan 48170.