Schools

Retiring Teachers And Staff Honored For Service

Several longtime employees honored upon their retirement

A group of retiring teachers was honored for their years of service at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.

Schools Superintendent James Habel kicked off the short presentation with a few words for all retirees – not just teachers, but support staff, bus drivers and paraprofessionals. In all, 13 people are retiring from the district this year.

“On behalf of the central office and the Board of Education I want to thank you for your years of service, for making a difference and for the many lives you have touched,’’ Habel said. “We thank you. And please know, we will miss you.’’

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Habel then introduced the first two people he said he met when he started with the district 15 years ago: Guidance counselor Thomas Winters and Athletic Director Anthony Vodola.

Winters is retiring after 31 years; Vodola after 37.

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“They have touched so many lives,’’ Habel said. “They have made a difference for so many people, so many families. And I know, I’ll never forget the way they made me feel.’’

Habel called Winters a “consummate gentleman,’’ who he had “never heard utter a negative word about anyone, whether it was deserved or not,’’ and “one of the better people you’ll ever meet.’’

Vodola is “dedicated and a truly, genuinely a nice man,’’ who “always puts students first.’’

Habel said he Vodola was a vigorous advocated for girls’ sports and had built the sports program that Wall now enjoys.

“We’re going to miss him as a great educator, but I’m going to miss him as a great friend,’’ Habel said.

Katie Misa, high school guidance counselor, honored Gerald Malavet, who is retiring after 11 years.

“Gerry has the ability to always get to the point with compassion and humor,’’ Misa said.

Rosemarie Sirchio, high school principal, honored Intermediate School Language Arts Teacher Mary Lee Clancy, who is retiring after 14 years.

“What I admire most about Mary Lee is her ability to set high standards for her students,’’ Sirchio said. “She constantly challenged them to succeed.’’

William Carson, Allenwood principal, said that 36-year third-grade teacher Janet Hodnett “is the ultimate professional,’’ who he has “the highest respect for.’’

Greg Storts, Central School principal, said a few word about Leonard Miller, a Central School custodian of 27 years. “Lenny certainly was a favorite of many at Central School,’’ Storts said. “We thank you for all your work at Central School and wish you all the best in your retirement.’’

West Belmar School Principal Anthony Abeal spoke warmly of Hansa Patel, a paraprofessional in the district 26 years, and Eileen Graham a teacher for 22 years.

“On behalf of the West Belmar staff and students and our parents, we congratulate you and we wish you a happy and healthy retirement,’’ Abeal said.

The full list of those teachers and staffers who are retiring is:

 

Last Name First Name School Position Years Winters Thomas High School Guidance Counselor 31 Vodola Anthony High School Athletic Director 37 Malavet Gerald High School Guidance Counselor 11 Clancy Mary Lee Intermediate School Lang Arts Teacher 14 D'Alessandro Lynn Intermediate School Secretary 13 Hodnett Janet Allenwood Grade 3 Teacher 36 Miller Leonard Central School Custodian 27 O'Grady Benedetta Old Mill School Basic Skills Teacher 18 Leuthner Robert Old Mill School Custodian 9.5 Patel Hansa West Belmar School Non-Instr Para 26 Graham Eileen West Belmar School Teacher 22 Curry John Transportation Department Bus Driver 4 Parker Helen Transportation Department Bus Driver 6

 

 


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