43
Watson throws surprise party for retiring principal
Photo
Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Principal James Carchedi (center) was surprised with a retirement party by his students and colleagues at Watson Elementary School.
Photo
Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Taylor Kennedy (right) posed as a nurse and Sarismar Mendez-Tirado played an injured student during the fashion show portion of the surprise retirement party for Watson principal James Carchedi.
Photo
Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Andrew Svabik does a hula dance as the students of Watson Elementary School imagine how Principal James Carchedi will spend his retirement.
By PAM JADUE
Honoring a job well done, the students and staff of Watson Elementary School planned a surprise party with a heartfelt message for retiring Principal James Carchedi.
With the entire school, family members and friends helping with the planning, the surprise event took place at the school May 21 in the school gymnasium.
The party provided those in attendance with a few good laughs and an occasional tear as students shared their thoughts on their principal’s retirement.
After spending the past 17 years working in the district with many of those years as principal at Watson Elementary School, Carchedi made the decision to retire this year with the plan to spend more time with his family. Carchedi’s wife, Debbie, his daughter, Jen Moore, and two grandsons, Jaden and Asher surprised him by attending the event.
The students and teachers worked together to rewrite the words to familiar tunes as a personal tribute with a different theme for each grade. The students wore ties in honor of their principal and the school was decorated with handmade decorations reflecting the song themes each group performed during the celebration.
Much of the music for the event was directed by music teacher Debby Fabian, who applauded Carchedi for “a job well done.”
Songs were performed and students shared their favorite memories of Carchedi, along with comical ideas about what he might do after retirement.
“Mr. Carchedi, you have inspired the students and staff to always do their best and do it with kindness. You have made a difference in all of our lives and so many more beyond this room,” said third-grade teacher Jill Groat.
Groat led the students in a mini fashion show that highlighted the many duties Carchedi performed during his time as principal.
After the reading of “Story Steve the Tree” by third-grade students, the school presented Carchedi with two trees. One is to be planted at his home as a reminder of his Watson family and the other one is to be planted on the school grounds.
“This was the best kept secret since Pearl Harbor,” said Carchedi. “You have been my family and I have truly enjoyed it.”
According to PTA president Jody West, an open house has been planned by the PTA in honor of Carchedi’s retirement. It will be held June 2 at 6 p.m. Past students and colleagues are encouraged to attend.