Deptford High senior McKyla Crowley, shown with Superintendent Kevin Kanauss, was the school’s student representative to the board.
The Deptford board of education recognized students, teachers and staff for their contributions and accomplishments during a June 10 meeting that included dozens of residents.
Among them were 17 individuals who are set to retire at the end of the school year and have a combined total of 343 years in the district.
The retirees were business office generalist Debbie Lynch; from Central Eary Childhood Center were paraprofessionals Joan Bullock, Michelle Steinmetz and Diana Tenerelli, service aide Connie Family and teacher Randy Lee; district administrative specialist Cheryl Morency; bus aide Glenn Maurer; grounds worker David Solen; custodian Robert Pinardo; speech therapist Ann Summiel; food services worker Anne Harter and teacher Jennifer Pevner, both from Good Intent Elementary; Deptford High clerk Bonnie Mitros; Lake Tract Elementary service aide Catherine Sullivan; and paraprofessional Stephanie Aquino and teacher Jeanne Diem, both from Pine Acres Early Childhood Center.
“Tonight is a great night, but it’s also a very bittersweet night,” Superintendent Kevin Kanauss said of the meeting. “Last time (a previous board meeting), we honored the teachers and ESPs of the year. Tonight, we honor those who gave their lives, their energy and all of their talents to better our township schools.
“Tonight, we’re here to say best wishes on the next stage of their journey and to say good luck to their families.”
Kanauss, district administrators and the principals of the retirees’ schools introduced them and spoke about what made them special to their students and colleagues.
“These professionals have close to 100 years of service and dedication to our teaching profession,” noted Central’s principal Shelli Jones, of that school’s retirees. “The number of children that they have touched over the years is mind-blowing.”
The retirees in attendance each received a certificate from the board and a gift bag.
The board also recognized Deptford High senior McKyla Crowley. She was the school’s student representative to the board, acting in the interests of students and providing updates on student activities to members. She presented these reports at sessions during the school year.
“McKyla has been outstanding,” said Kanauss. “She followed a fine line of students that came before her, but she did add an element. She did speak to students individually and she was very instrumental in helping us gather student feedback for our student cell phone and device policy.”
Three teams from the high school were also honored for recent championship wins and accomplishments in their respective sports. The boys tennis team was honored for its tri-county Diamond Division championships. The jazz ensemble won its fourth straight state championship, and the boys track team won the tri-county conference Liberty Division championship.
The next board of education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m.
