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Youngstown schools retirees honored in ceremony
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown City Schools retirees were recognized in a special ceremony Tuesday night at Choffin Career and Technical Center.
Board of Education President Brenda Kimble said she felt privileged to host the ceremony honoring so many dedicated individuals in the district.
“We are sorry that they’re leaving, but we are happy to recognize them for the work they’ve done,” Kimble said.
Joe Meranto, district superintendent, said despite the bad press and bad politics surrounding the city schools, he was happy to thank the retirees on behalf of the students and taxpaying citizens of Youngstown.
“Regardless of things seen and heard, we know what you have done in your various capacities,” Meranto told them.
Among those honored were Lois Thornton, Carol Baird, Sandra Monroe, Bruce Donahue, Andrea Patton, Lisa Mogg, Edna Douglas, Leon Robinson, Kathy Harris and Lesley Lewis.
Patton said she is both blessed and honored to have taught in Youngstown schools.
“People always say we have enriched the children’s lives, but I can truly say the students enriched mine.”
Baird agreed.
“I loved my career in Youngstown [schools],” she said. “I must have enjoyed it so much that I stayed for 34 years.”
Monroe echoed Baird and Patton’s sentiments.
“It was truly a privilege to work for Youngstown City Schools,” she said, almost tearfully. “I have gotten so much joy and satisfaction in seeing children grow. There is nothing like watching them grow and learn. It is truly my passion.”
Another recognition Kimble presented was to departing board member Jerome Williams. Williams will be replaced by Tina Cvetkovich in January.
Williams said the recognition should go to all the teachers and retirees apart from the ceremony.
“If it wasn’t for the teachers, the kids would be lost,” he said.
Kimble wrapped up the ceremony by saying how happy she was that the recognition ceremony was meaningful to retirees.
“We and the children will all miss you,” she said.