Dr. Julius Simon: Rüsselsheim's new shining role model honored!

Dr. Julius Simon: Rüsselsheim's new shining role model honored!

In a solemn ceremony, Dr. Julius Simon was honored today as a “shining role model” for the city of Rüsselsheim am Main. In his speech, Mayor Patrick Burghardt praised the values ​​and moral courage that Simon embodied throughout his life. This honor is part of the art project “Drawing a Bow with Shining Role Models,” which was launched by the artist Vollrad Kutscher. A “gallery of light” will also be created in the council chamber of the town hall, which since 1998 has included individually designed glass caps for each chosen model, such as ruesselsheim.de reported.

Born on March 25, 1902 in Unter-Schönmattenwag, Dr. Julius Simon began teaching at the Rüsselsheim secondary school in 1933, later to become the Immanuel Kant School. He taught subjects such as German, English and philosophy, viewing pedagogy as a moral task. What is particularly noteworthy is that Simon never became a member of the NSDAP during National Socialism. This already shows his remarkable integrity - a character trait that accompanied him throughout his life.

A teacher with courage and humanity

During the final months of the war, Simon provided shelter for a deserting student, which saved his life. This student was the future painter Diether Ritzert, who later thanked Simon for his help with a painting. After the war, Simon was able to work as a teacher again due to his untroubled past and became headmaster of the school in 1949. Under his leadership, he worked intensively to rebuild the facility and was committed to the integration of refugees.

In 1956, Simon was instrumental in renaming the school to the “Immanuel Kant School” and also played an important role in the founding of the Max Planck School and another secondary school. His pedagogical principles and his commitment to education are worthy of description in a brochure that discusses his life and work. This documentation was created by Dr. Franz Horváth creates and illuminates not only Simon's origins, but also his work and his philosophy, which shaped the educational system in Rüsselsheim, as academia.edu notes.

An enlightening legacy

Former students remember Simon as a great educator and philosopher whose influence extends far beyond the borders of Rüsselsheim. The upcoming ceremony for the honor will take place next year in the council chamber, with all citizens of Rüsselsheim being invited to attend. Vollrad Kutscher will be the portrait of Dr. Add Julius Simon to the “Gallery of Light,” honoring his legacy in a special way.

With this award, Dr. Julius Simon is the city’s ninth “shining role model”. Hertha Dünzinger last received this honor in 2022. The next election for such a role model will take place in 2028. It is hoped that the values ​​that Simon embodies will continue to be alive in the city of Rüsselsheim and inspire future generations.