Teacher Retirees Saluted at Reception
Saying goodbye is never easy to do, especially when you've spent decades of your life serving a community of young people that you've grown to love.
A group of Huntington School District teachers that collectively represented hundreds of years of experience retired at the end of June. On the eve of their final day, the faculty members were hosted by Superintendent John J. Finello for a roundtable discussion and reception in his office.
The teachers were presented with a framed certificate of appreciation for their service by Mr. Finello. "It was a very pleasant get-together in a very relaxed atmosphere," Mr. Finello said. A selection of desserts, fruit and refreshments was served as the teachers chatted amiably.
One-by-one teachers Doris Quintilian (35 years), Joanne Holsclaw (27.5 years), Anna Schiliro (25 years), Linda Cirillo (42 years), Tonia Young (24 years), Frances Poy (10 years), Ruth Youngquist (38 years), Leonard Mendola (32 years), Linda Sauer (33 years) and Susan Terry-Bazer (30 years) discussed how they happened to come to the district, recounted humorous career episodes and listed the buildings they worked in and the principals they worked with. Four other retiring teachers were unable to attend the reception.
No one was ready to discuss plans for their retirement years. Instead they spoke in generalities about spending more time with family members, pursuing personal interests and relaxing. Several of the teachers indicated they didn't want to jump into any commitments, preferring instead to catch their breath first and see what develops.
The retirees who turned out for the reception represented a combined total of 296.5 years of experience to the Huntington community. "Each of them served our students well," Mr. Finello said.