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Community honors retired Smallhoover
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Carmella Smallhoover's students had to have a group hug as one last goodbye.
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Poland Middle School student Anthony Lattanzio (left) drew a photo of Union Elementary, and all of Carmella Smallhoover's students signed the mat around the photo. The notes wished her congratulations and said how much she would be missed.
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Union students, past and present, visited Smallhoover on her last day as principal, Feb. 28. The students blew up 35 balloons, one for each year of her service to the Poland community, and celebrated her retirement by letting them all go.
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Union students Mark Evan (left), Abby Farber, Jack Pepperney, and Michael Farber (right) attended Smallhoover's retirement party and wished her well on her future journeys.
By SARAH FOOR
Although there was much joy to be found at Union principal Carmella Smallhoover’s retirement party at Holy Family Parish Center on Feb. 24, there was a cloud of bittersweet feelings in the air.
The much-loved and respected Poland educator and principal celebrated her retirement after 35 years of service to the community. Her family, friends, colleagues and students visited the party, wishing her well on her future journeys, but sad to see her go.
Union PTO President Billie Jo Evan insists that Smallhoover’s legacy lies in the lives she has touched.
“I always saw Carmella as a warm and wonderful matriarch of our school. Union is the largest elementary in Poland, but she has offered a wealth of personal attention to every student and personally prepared them for their journey through our school system,” Evan said.
Smallhoover’s secretary, Billie Sicafuse, had kind words for her friend and boss.
“I’ve known her for a very long time — my daughters were students of hers when she taught at North. To me, Carmella is someone who is family as much as she is a boss.”
“She always told us that we’re all her grandchildren and that she will always protect us,” said Union first-grader Carmen DaLesio. “She’s the best and everyone is going to miss her a lot.”
Smallhoover’s retirement party gave all ages a chance to thank her for her work. Union staff created a video and scrapbook that celebrated Smallhoover’s career and memorialized the students who joined her in her last year as principal. A card station was available for all ages to decorate cards congratulating Smallhoover on her retirement.
“It’s definitely a bittersweet moment,” Smallhoover said during the celebration. “I know that I’m ready to leave, but I’m still incredibly sad to see it go.”
Smallhoover began as a teacher, and then principal, at North Elementary until beginning her post at Union in 2002. She has stayed within the school system for 35 years, and lends her time to Poland Rotary and the Poland All Sports Boosters. Her involvement will continue after her retirement.
“I hope parents and families realize what a wonderful school system Poland is,” Smallhoover said, reflecting on her long history in the community.
“I hope the community will continue to support the school system in any way they can.”