During the Board of Education meeting on June 12, the Board and district administration proudly honored the dedicated service and impactful careers of 29 retirees for the 2023-2024 school year during the annual Retirement Celebration.
Gathering in the Freeport High School’s Performing Arts Center, the celebratory meeting opened with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham welcoming the guests and thanking them for their remarkable influence on the lives of countless students and the broader school community.
“It is an honor and privilege to celebrate and recognize this incredible group of individuals, changemakers, who have dedicated their lives to the noble pursuit of education,” said Dr. Kuncham. “These esteemed retirees, with 699 years of combined service, have profoundly impacted our schools. You have been the cornerstone of our schools, the guiding light for our students and the pillars of our community. Together you helped shape the minds and hearts of our students, instilling in them values of respect, empathy, perseverance and integrity. As I am here with you tonight reflecting on my own journey, it has been a privilege to work alongside such remarkable colleagues. I am filled with gratitude and admiration. While we are celebrating your achievements and contributions, I must express my own thanks for the impact you have had. I wish you all the joy, fulfillment and relaxation that retirement brings.”
The district then celebrated the achievements of the 29 retiring staff members as each of their stories of dedication and commitment was recounted. To commemorate their service, they were presented with a commemorative plaque from the district and special gifts from their building principals.
As the ceremony ended, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel and Special Projects, Benjamin Roberts, offered his congratulations to the retirees. He expressed the district's sincere gratitude and well wishes, saying, "We celebrate your well-deserved retirement. May the next chapter of your lives be filled with good health, happiness, and exciting possibilities."
Congratulations to the following retirees: Archer Street School – Robin Cohen, Andrea Sammis, Roberta Shapiro; Bayview Avenue School – June Holder; Columbus Avenue School – Kare Haynes; J.W. Dodd Middle School – Susan Barnett, Amy Bendel, David Gordon, Pamela Lawrence, Maria Maldonado, Darrell Thompson; Leo F. Giblyn School – Denise Barry, Wendy Connelly; Freeport High School – Russell Cellan, Nancy Comer, Ana Decker, Ousmane Diouf, Glyis Enciso, Sila Giorgio, Jeanne Goldin, Peter Hoey, Kathleen Lamb, Ana Marquez, Doug Martines, Kerry McCarthy, Peggy Parigoris, Emma Perdomo, Eileen Shultis, Caryn Stein.