Bilirakis Honors 90-Year-Old Teacher

U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who is from Palm Harbor, spent some time Friday giving recognition to a longtime Tampa Bay educator who calls New Port Richey home.

Walter Hilgart has worked as a substitute teacher at New Port Richye's Gulf High School since 1988. He celebrated his 90th birthday this past October. Gulf High celebrated the 90th birthday of the school that same month.

Hilgart grew up during the Great Depression. He enlisted in the military and flew 22 combat missions in the Army Air Force by the end of World War II. He left the service but later re-enlisted in the military and served in the Air Force.

Hilgart later worked as a full-time teacher in Tampa for 16 years.

After retiring, he started his current lengthy run as a substitute teacher at Gulf High. He also substitutes at Anclote High, Ridgewood High and Fivay.

Bilirakis honored Hilgart this past November 15 with an extension of remarks  entered into the Congressional Record.

“Mr. Hilgart's dedication to country and community are truly inspiring,” he said  in the remarks. “Throughout his life, he has selflessly demonstrated qualities of putting others before himself. His legacy will certainly live on through the many students he has inspired for years to come.”

On Friday, Bilirakis honored Hilgart at a ceremony a Gulf High and presented him with with some gifts, including a copy of his extension of remarks, a Congressional medal of excellence and an American flag. He also said “doing so was the coolest thing I’ve experienced really.”

Bilirakis says he would have loved to have a teacher like Hilgart. Hilgart communicates well, and he has a wealth of experience to share.  

“He’s a walking history book,” he said. “They’re very fortunate and he keeps giving and giving and giving.”

“This isn’t a retirement party, is it?” he asked Hilgart.

Hilgart doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. Hilgart’s students love him. He also has a wealth keep doing this as long as he feels up to it.

“The reason I keep on doing this is because learned from my father that if you keep on going, you live a longer, life and a healthier life, and so far that’s turned out to be true,” he said to Patch.

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