Hendrick Hudson Celebrates 18 Staff Members at Retirement Reception

The Hendrick Hudson School District celebrated 18 staff members who will retire at the conclusion of the 2024-25 school year, sending them off with a reception and recognition at the Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, June 4 in the Hendrick Hudson High School cafeteria.

Michael A. Tromblee, Superintendent of Schools, and building principals Lauren Scollins, James Mackin and Dr. Cynthia Kramer helped pay tribute to the outgoing staff members in attendance. After speaking about the contributions of each retiree, the honorees were presented with a symbolic gift from the district: a Hendrick Hudson beach towel.

“We celebrate this year’s retirees — those whose careers have been defined by unwavering commitment, compassion and dedication to our students, our schools, and our community,” Mr. Tromblee said. “Their impact is not only measured in years of service, but in the hundreds of lives they’ve touched along the way.”

The recognition, which was attended by family, friends and other Hendrick Hudson colleagues, was organized by Dr. Steven M. Garcia, the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development, and Fran Dodaro, the district’s Administrative Assistant for Human Resources, both of whom received thanks for their efforts. Mr. Tromblee also saluted Director of Food Services Clare Carey, who provided refreshments for the reception.

Mr. Tromblee also had a message for this year’s retirees.

“You have shared your lives with our children and our community, and that legacy is enduring,” he said. “As you enter this next chapter, may your retirement be filled with the quiet rewards of a job well done — with moments of peace, joy and reflection, and with the satisfaction of knowing you made a difference."

Here are this year’s retirees (pictured below):

Mary Fanning, Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School Teacher
Lisa Flannino, Furnace Woods Elementary School Administrative Assistant
Diane Hughes, Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School Teacher
Heather Bleakley-Ledwin, Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School Teacher
Michele O’Neill, Blue Mountain Middle School Teaching Assistant
Dr. Christine Lapostelle-Rogers, Hendrick Hudson High School Science Teacher
Dr. Margaret Ruller, Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Alan Zollner, Hendrick Hudson High School Science Teacher

Not pictured:

John Anderson, Hendrick Hudson High School Monitor
Andrea Barbalato, Blue Mountain Middle School Social Studies Teacher
John Chrapowitzky, Furnace Woods Elementary School Custodian
James Dobbs, Hendrick Hudson High School Special Education Teacher
Raymond Gilbert, Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School Monitor
Anthony Giovinazzi, Blue Mountain Middle School Principal
Frank Marafioti, Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School Monitor
Thomas O’Reilly, Furnace Woods Elementary School Custodian
Edward Tandy, Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School Custodian
Jason Taylor, Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School Special Education Teacher