Garden City recognizes retirees at annual retiree reception
On June 17, the Garden City School District hosted its annual retiree reception, honoring teachers, staff and administrators from across the district for their years of dedication and commitment to student success and the school community.
The afternoon began with a performance by the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz ensemble, who sang two selections in celebration of the retirees and their new chapters ahead. Following the musical performance, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha shared remarks honoring the retirees.
“It is an honor to recognize so many of you who have dedicated countless years to the Garden City School District, giving so much of yourselves to our students, to one another and to our school community each and every day,” Dr. Sinha said. “It’s the irreplaceable contributions and connections you’ve made— with students, colleagues and the entire school family— that make Garden City such a special place.”
Board of education trustee Mr. Arthur Gnecco also expressed his appreciation to the retirees.
“Thank you for shaping young minds, inspiring colleagues and helping to build the foundation of our educational community,” he said. “Your impact goes far beyond the classroom.”
The celebration continued with members of the central administration, principals and directors introducing each retiree. They shared personal reflections, memories and messages from students, highlighting the meaningful and lasting impact each retiree has made on the Garden City school community.
Congratulations to the following 16 retirees, who together represent more than 350 years of service to the Garden City School District:
Garden City High School
David Perrotta, assistant principal
Diane Dolan, English teacher
Nancy Gallagher, mathematics teacher
Patricia Griffith, teacher aide
Garden City Middle School
Cynthia Gruber-Simeti, teacher aide
Stratford School
Jacqueline Guerra, elementary education teacher
Roberto Orellana, cleaner
Deborah Mastromatteo, nurse
Stewart School
Theresa King, special education teacher
Locust School
Antoinette Schmaeling, teacher aide
Valerie Hilton, senior typist clerk
St. Joseph’s School
Lorraine Kalberer, nurse
Districtwide
Jeannette Balantic, coordinator of social studies
Jose Garcia, groundskeeper
Victoria Reilly, principal account clerk
Ivonne LoGozzo, bus driver