Carol McGovern Approaching Retirement with Excitement
It’s an event that many people don’t want to actually see come to pass, but the reality of Carol McGovern’s looming retirement is grudgingly being accepted by members of the Huntington School District’s physical education, health and athletic communities. No one wants to see her go.
Mrs. McGovern has been a dynamic secretary ever since she began working in the district in August 1986. Her first four years were spent in the social studies department where she worked with Richard Baer, who was chairman at the time. In August 1990 she came to work in the athletic office and is on the verge of completing her 18th year in the position, and 22nd with the district.
“I’ve met and dealt with a lot of coaches, athletes, athletic directors, secretaries, parents and officials,” Mrs. McGovern said on a recent morning. “I’ve loved both my jobs but I have really enjoyed athletics. It’s extremely diversified and something different happens every day. Dealing with different weather conditions is always a challenge especially when it starts raining at 2 p.m. and I have to start canceling games, calling other schools, calling officials and then dealing with all the incoming phone calls from parents. But, I also interact with the physical education and health teachers. So dealing with 24 teachers, 80 different coaches plus 500 students a season can be, and usually is, quite hectic.”
At the 40th Blue Devil Senior Athletic Awards Banquet, coach-after-coach extolled Mrs. McGovern, repeatedly thanking her and wishing her well. “Carol, you are the best there is,” varsity tennis coach Jamie Fishlow said. “We are all really going to miss you.”
Mrs. McGovern was brought into the department and her current position by Joseph Giani. When he left to become an assistant superintendent, Mrs. McGovern worked with interim director Thomas Sabatelle for a year and has worked closely with current director Georgia D. McCarthy since 2002.
Regardless who her boss might have been at any given time, Mrs. McGovern has earned kudos. “She has been an amazing asset to this department,” Mrs. McCarthy said. “She works with all coaches, Section XI and opposing schools. She has been integral in the success of this program as she is extremely helpful with the coaching staff in following section policies.”
“I’ve had three great bosses,” Mrs. McGovern said about Mr. Baer, Mr. Giani and Mrs. McCarthy. She is known to coaches and teachers as extremely organized and detailed oriented. “Carol doesn’t let anything slip through the cracks,” said Eric Mininni, a teacher and coach in the district.
“I’m leaving for retirement because it’s time for me,” Mrs. McGovern said. “I truly love this job but I do want to spend more time with my four grandchildren and one on the way in February. My husband and I plan on traveling. We are going to Alaska for a land tour and sea cruise for 17 days in mid-August and I have plenty of other places I want to see. We may even spend a month or so in Florida each year, because my parents and brother live down there. I would also like to volunteer in the hospital. And believe me, I have plenty of things to do around my house that I never have time for.”
“Carol is an extremely hard worker who has the ability to multi-task, especially during trying times, such as inclement weather,” Mrs. McCarthy said. Mrs. McGovern is a recipient of the Judith Marten Secretarial Award, presented by the Suffolk County Athletic Director’ Association. It is given to only the finest athletic secretaries who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to their athletic program.
“I am going to miss Carol,” Mrs. McCarthy said. “She is a true professional and someone that I enjoy being with on a daily basis.”
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