Hendrick Hudson Honors its 2024 Retirees at Annual Recognition Ceremony

The Hendrick Hudson School District paid tribute to the 21 staff members who will retire in 2024, sending them off with a reception and recognition at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 18.

Dr. Margaret Ruller, the district’s Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, paid tribute to each of the retirees, then gave the outgoing staff members in attendance a gift from the district.

“Retirement is not an end; it’s a beginning,” Dr. Ruller said. “I will miss them all dearly. I wish all of the best to each of you.”

The recognition, which was attended by family, friends and other Hendrick Hudson colleagues, was organized by Dr. Ruller and Fran Dodaro, the district’s Administrative Assistant for Human Resources, who received thanks for their efforts from Superintendent of Schools Michael A. Tromblee.

Mr. Tromblee also credited Director of Food Services Clare Carey and the custodial staff, who transitioned at the last minute due to excessive heat and relocated refreshments for the reception and equipment for the meeting, respectively, from the auditorium to the library. He went on to say events like this year’s retirement recognition make a school district “feel more like a family,” and noted that the retirees, who gave so much to the school community, will now have more time to spend with those closest to them.

“The legacy of your dedication to Hendrick Hudson will continue to inspire generations of Sailors to come,” Mr. Tromblee said.

This year’s retirees who participated in the recognition are pictured below in order:

Deborah DeVivo, Special Education Teacher Aide
Gloria Flick, Teaching Assistant
Elizabeth Gilleo, Supervisor of Transportation
Helen Kokinchak, Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School Nurse
Barbara LaFemina, Teaching Assistant
Carol Anne Paraskevaides, Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School Teacher
Jane Price, Confidential Administrative Assistant
Jean Ryan, Blue Mountain Middle School ELA Teacher
Halette Sharkey, Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School Special Education Teacher

Here are the rest of this year's retirees:

Cathleen Anness, Blue Mountain Middle School ELA Teacher
Enrique Catalan, Assistant Superintendent for Business
Robert Clark, Custodian
Maureen Connaire, Teacher Aide
Deborah DiCiocco, District Treasurer
Daniel Hallock, Hendrick Hudson High School Social Studies Teacher
Nancy Maurin, Special Education Teacher Aide
Doris Pappas, Chauffeur
David Perez, Custodian
Phyllis Sowin, Teaching Assistant
Carmen Yee, Teaching Assistant
Theresa Zerrle, Monitor