SAUGUS — The School Committee recognized multiple staff members who are retiring at the end of this school year.
Each person received certificates of appreciation from the School Committee, as well as certificates from the Board of Selectmen.
School Committee Chair Vincent Serino read out the names of the retired teachers while the certificates were handed out: Cathy Fish, Kathy Tolios, Belmonte STEAM Academy Principal Dr. Maureen Lueke, Trudy Williamson, Patricia Prizio, Barbara Wall, Diane Corton, Patricia Halloran, LuAnne Fritz, Pam Acheson, Barbara Guarente, and Kimberly Politano-Burns.
Kevin Fontenella, president of the Saugus Educators’ Association, stood up to say a few words about some of the staff members who were retiring.
“There’s three teachers that are here that I just wanted to make a few brief comments on… Trudy… I know her through her children. I’ve taught all three of her children, and one thing I will say is that teachers are in a unique position when we teach the children of our colleagues,” Fontanella said.
He continued to say that Williamson is an amazing parent and that her kids were all “phenomenal.”
“Everyone at the Belmonte really, really respects you as an educator,” he said.
He next highlighted Barbara Wall.
“Barbara, I just wanted to say a personal thank you for the lunches in your room back in the old high school. When I started coaching, I used to eat lunch with Barbara. We used to talk about how coaching had changed (and) the kids are going soft… She also threw the best end-of-the-year retirement parties; no offense to Kowloon, hers were way better… Out of everyone in this room, you’re a true Saugonian, and I think everyone in the town knows how loyal you are to everyone here, so thank you,” he said.
Lastly, he mentioned Patricia Prizio. He explained that they were both vice presidents of the union, Fontanella in the high school and Prizio in the middle school.
“You are an awesome co-worker in the union. You defend every one of your members with the tenacity of a bulldog. I just wanted to say thank you for the work of the last few years,” he said.
Serino then thanked all the retirees for their work over the years.
“I think Mr. Whittredge (and) myself… we’re husbands of teachers, so we get it. We get the work you put in. We get the hours that you put in. I would tell you I can’t talk to my wife on Sunday because things are getting graded and things are getting planned for the week. I really appreciate what you do because I know… The students are yours. You care about them,” he said.
Serino continued, saying that he doesn’t think people understand that every student in the classroom is part of the teacher.
“I know every kid in my wife’s class going back to when she started and where they’re going and what they’re doing… I really appreciate everything you’ve done for this district, and you always have a home here,” he said.
