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Farewell to retirees, welcome to new hires

| 24 Jun 2015 | 08:25
    Leanne Brophy, holding flowers, is surrounded by some of her many admirers: Julie Clark, Marianne Ciuffettelli, Amy Reid, Michelle Doody, Director of Special Education Lea Morganstein, Danielle Jemison, Michele Relly, and Karen LaForge (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)
    Leanne Brophy, holding flowers, is surrounded by some of her many admirers: Julie Clark, Marianne Ciuffettelli, Amy Reid, Michelle Doody, Director of Special Education Lea Morganstein, Danielle Jemison, Michele Relly, and Karen LaForge (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)
    Welcome to Chester! Principal Denis Petrilak (rear, left) and Assistant Principal Rolando Agiular (rear, right) with the new teachers who answer the needs of a growing student population. From the top (in front of administrators): Patrick Higgins, Ryan Cunningham, Francesco Accetta, Patricia Rivas, Julianne Potoma-Tamucci and Ana Aguevo (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)
    Welcome to Chester! Principal Denis Petrilak (rear, left) and Assistant Principal Rolando Agiular (rear, right) with the new teachers who answer the needs of a growing student population. From the top (in front of administrators): Patrick Higgins, Ryan Cunningham, Francesco Accetta, Patricia Rivas, Julianne Potoma-Tamucci and Ana Aguevo (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)
    School board President Frank Sambets and math teacher Shawn Cunningham welcome Shawn’s brother, Ryan Cunningham, who is joining the staff this fall as a health and physical education teacher. (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)
    School board President Frank Sambets and math teacher Shawn Cunningham welcome Shawn’s brother, Ryan Cunningham, who is joining the staff this fall as a health and physical education teacher. (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)

By Frances Ruth Harris
CHESTER — The Chester school board on June 17 said good-bye to some employees and hello to others, and gave honors to one.

Chris Johnson, who worked the halls and campus providing security and good will in double doses, is retiring. He could not be present at the meeting, but was appreciated in spirit. The students know Johnson as a caring soul who loves to clip and share newspaper articles about their achievements.

The board also honored Eileen Derban, who is leaving after 20 years and 7 months as an involved and astute school monitor.

Board members and staff members said the retirees' calm, professional, and heart-felt treatment of students and staff will be missed. Both retirees contributed to the Chester Academy's happiness and stability, they said.

Leann Brophy, a math and special education teacher, was honored for her outstanding service to the school district. The board said she never wavers as she works to find the right solution for each youngster in her care. She teaches a different subject every period of the day and also gives individualized instruction to every student in every class. She is held in high esteem by students, staff, and the community. Special Education Director Lea Morganstein thanked her for her on-going extraordinary service.

One hundred more Greenwood Lake students will attend Chester Academy this fall, in addition to the 20 Greenwood Lake students currently enrolled. Teachers Francesco Accetta, Ana Agueve, Ryan Cunningham, Patrick Higgins, Patricia Rivas and Julianne Potoma-Tamucci have joined the faculty to serve the needs of the growing student population.