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U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy recognized Fredonia Middle School Principal Paula Troutman with a speech in her memory before members of Congress on Thursday after her untimely death. Troutman died on New Year’s Day at the age of 60.
The loss of Paula Troutman has been felt throughout the region after her untimely death on New Year’s Day. On Thursday, her impact was felt on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.
U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy recognized Troutman with a speech in her memory on Thursday, with her photo proudly displayed for members of Congress to see. “I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a remarkable individual whose impact on Western New York and the Southern Tier in our educational system is immeasurable,” he said at the beginning of his speech.
Troutman was the school principal of Fredonia Middle School at the time of her death. She died at her home unexpectedly at the age of 60.
“As we mourn the loss of Paula Troutman, we remember her not only for her professional accomplishments, but for the kindness and understanding that made her a cherished figure in the lives of many,” Langworthy said.
Prior to her time at Fredonia, Troutman (Butcher) shared the same hometown as Langworthy. She was raised in South Dayton and graduated from Pine Valley High School, just as Langworthy did. Troutman graduated with her Master’s Degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia and became a science teacher at Pine Valley.
“I’ve had the honor to know Paula Troutman and her beautiful family since the late 1990s when I was a student at Pine Valley High School,” Langworthy said. “Her passing has left a void that is deeply felt by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives she touched.”
Langworthy represents the 23rd Congressional District of New York, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties and parts of Erie County. He spoke to the region he represents in recognizing Troutman’s impact as an educator.
“In our small towns in the Southern Tier, our schools are the epicenter of our communities, and Paula Troutman was a community leader that touched many, many lives,” Langworthy said.
Langworthy noted shortly before her death, Troutman posted on social media that her New Year’s resolution was to “love more.” In response to that post, the Fredonia Central School District participated in a t-shirt fundraiser in her honor to benefit local fire departments. The t-shirts feature her initials displayed under the phrase “love more” in Fredonia school colors. A link to purchase a shirt is available on the district’s Facebook page.
Referenced in Langworthy’s speech, Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said, “It’s Paula’s impact on fostering relationships – a work family – that our staff is leading on in strength to be there for our students and for each other.”
Langworthy referred to Troutman’s family as her “ultimate legacy.” She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Daniel Troutman of South Dayton, and her four children: Danielle Arnone, Kourtney Almeida, Justina Young, and Cody Troutman. She had four siblings – Janise Rhoades, James Butcher, Donald Butcher Jr., and Chas Butcher – along with six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In closing, Langworthy said, “My thoughts and my prayers go out to Paula’s family during this very difficult time. May her legacy inspire us to embrace the values that she held dear; values of compassion, dedication, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.”
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