The Massapequa School District recognized nearly 80 staff members on May 21 for their career milestones at the annual retirement and celebration. The high school library was packed with honorees and well-wishers during a ceremony that preceded the board of education meeting.
This year’s retirees, which included administrators, teachers, teaching assistants and office staff, totaled about 1,200 years of employment in the district, with 37 years the longest individual service.
“This is a truly a special evening here in Massapequa,” Superintendent Dr. William Brennan said. “While these groups may be at different points in their journeys, they are forever connected to something extremely deep. There’s something extraordinary about being an educator. Somewhere along the line, they felt a calling; something in their heart that called them to this incredible profession.”
Dr. Brennan noted the profound impact that educators make, providing compassion, hope and belief. The moments that may seem small actually help to shape the confidence and courage of their students. The honorees also heard congratulatory remarks from Jason Esposito and Mary Velte on behalf of the administrative team, and Malcolm Gilbert, president of Massapequa Federation of Teachers.
This year’s retirees are: Catherine Aiello Martin, Eva Marie Arnold, Denise Baldinger, Ellen Bashan, Mariellen Beltrani, Tara Burson, Francis Coyle, Linda Damiani, Ilena Dempsey, Thomas Dempsey, Karen Devine, Nancy Donnelly, Patricia Dwork, Charles Everitt, Karen Flynn, Vincent Green, Dean Guarnaschelli, Gail Hayes, Paul Heckelman, Pamela Johnson, Gale Kalechofsky, Gina Kennedy, James Koester, Patricia LiVecchi, Kira Martelli, Debra McCaffrey, Joanne Mifsud, Susan Murphy, Lauren Ogurick, Dr. Vincent Pennisi, Mary Ann Reising, Susan Renella, Margaret Riccio, Marion Schmieder, Thomas Sheedy, Janeen Signorile, Renee Smith, Keith Stephens, Michele Underwood, Sandra Vacirca and Denise Watson.
Dr. Brennan congratulated 38 tenure recipients, including administrators, teachers and teaching assistants, on reaching an important professional milestone. He noted that tenure not only represents an individual accomplishment but a commitment to the future of the district and the children that Massapequa serves.
The tenure recipients are: Olivia Belfiore, Daniella Benisatto, Melanie Berzner, Nicholas Breslin, Jacqueline Catalano Lauren Cohen, Emily Colella, Lisa Comis, Anne Michele Cooney, Paul Corr, Kristen Costa, Danielle Danaher, Michael DeLuca, Nicole DeMicoli, Grace Falcon, Jessica Gill, Adeline Hein, Kimberly Karcz, Nicole Lopez, Shannon McGuinness, Maryann McLeod, Alison Morgan, Kenneth Petersen, Jennifer Ragona, Karley Riegel, Jess Ritirato, Jessica Romano-Lizzo, Anna Roth, Maria Ruales, Ryan Ruf, Melanie Sabia, Victoria Sawula,
Kerri Schmitt, Christina Stomber, Dr. Brian Trapani, Inna Tymochko-Dekajlo, Kristin Viets and Kylie Walsh.