The informal, evening reception in the Newark High School Library June 5th was a wonderful way to say ‘Thank you’ and share heartfelt words of praise, expressions of gratitude and some humorous anecdotes about 13 Newark Central School District staff who already have or will retire this school year.
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Superintendent Susan Hasenauer began the event by expressing heartfelt appreciation for the retiring employees’ combined 323 years of hard work and dedication to the Newark Central School District.
While seven of the individuals were unable to attend, she said it was important to recognize and celebrate all the retirees many years of faithful service and invaluable contributions to both the district and students and wished them the very best in their retirement.
“As always, this event is the culmination of many years of hard, work, dedication, blood, sweat and tears,“ Hasenauer said. “Regardless of your role, each one of you tonight stand before your family, colleagues, administration and the Board as a true professional who have shown by example, on a daily basis, that excellence isn’t just something you aim for daily, but it is something that each one of you achieved. And, I know with confidence this will only continue in your retirement.
“So, as we come together this evening in celebration, we have a total of 13 members that we will be saying farewell to. However, that farewell will not be a goodbye, but a moment that we have the distinct pleasure of honoring the 323 years of collective service and legacy of hard work and your commitment to the students and Newark community that each of you has served unselfishly.”
Then Hasenauer, Christine Bennett, Executive Director of Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Krista Lewis and Jen Singer, former NCSD Pupil Services Director, Newark High School Principal Kelly A. Zielke, Kelley School Principal Nate Goodness and Kelley School Assistant Principal Christina Sullivan, Jonathan Mastin, Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics and Lincoln School Principal Kari Hamelinck beautifully reflected on the myriad and invaluable contributions made by the attending honored guests.
Their reflections were moving and memorable.
The retirees, their retirement date, years of service they worked for the NCSD follow.
Sarah Kiley, Special Education Teacher, 9/1/1988-6/26/2024 (36 years)
Stephanie Joyce, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, 1/14/1988 -7/10/2023 (35 years)
Richard Puls, Maintenance Worker, 8/8/1988-11/20/2023 (35 years)
Renee Bailey, Newark High School Art Teacher, 10/4/1991-11/29/2023 (32 years)
Marcy Peters, Kelley School 3rd Grade Teacher, 5/18/1992-8/30/2024 (32 years)
Ed Gnau, Assistant Superintendent For Business, 7/1/2001-7/31/2024 (23 years)
William Kirnie, Physical Education Teacher, 9/1/2001-6/30/2024 (23 years)
Todd Heinzman, Newark Middle School Technology Teacher, 9/1/2001-11/15/2023 (22 years)
Michele Vair, Kelley School Teaching Assistant, 9/1/1998-6/30/2004, 9/2/2009- 6/30/2024 (21 years)
Lisa Williams, Lincoln School Licensed Practical Nurse, 9/1/2004-6/30/2024 (20 years)
Lorrie Palermo, District Office Secretary, 12/6/2004-8/31/2023 (19 years)
Susan Carr, District Office School Personnel Assistant, 9/26/2008-6/30/2024 (16 years)
Peter Simonse, Maintenance Worker, 6/22/2015-3/30/2024 (9 years)
Others attending the reception included: Board of Education members President Julie Nevelizer, Vice President Mary Thoms, BOE members Russ Harris, Miranda Brooks-Ruggeri, Scott Verbridge and Steven DeRenzo and Katie Pullen who was recently elected BOE and will begin serving in July; Newark Middle School Principal John Ginter and NMS Assistant Principal Melanie Meyer, Perkins School Principal Pete Czerkas, a few other district staff members, retirees spouses and other family members and friends.
The retirees were also recognized at the BOE meeting that immediately followed the reception.