John Charles Hammat

Submitted by Judy Rollyson Hervall

John Charles Hammat was a teacher at Hurricane High School from 1971 through 1976. He was a much loved teacher while he was there and also directed the plays. He passed on April 21, 2023.

On Memorial Day, 28 individuals gathered at Hurricane City Park to give tribute to the educator. Most of those in attendance were from the class of 1976. Two fellow teachers and his sister were also in attendance.

After a lunch of pulled pork, hotdogs, baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and cake and cookies. Everyone enjoyed sharing memories of John Hammat.

One class member said it perfectly. She said John Hammat had a way of making every single person feel special and even making many feel like they were his favorite student. He was a very loving teacher and, for many of us, friend in later life.

Many spoke how their lives were made different as 60+-year-olds then it would’ve been had they not known John Hammat.

“Often teachers don’t realize the effects they have on their students. John took great pride, I believe, in how he treated and inspired his students,” said Judy Rollyson Hervall.

There were classmates from Florida, California, and other local areas and states. It was clear how everyone had felt about “Hammat.”

All in attendance were moved by the tribute to John Hammat and enjoyed the wonderful reunion of old friends.