Hotel Anthracite was the setting on May 28th for the Wayne Highlands Education Association Retirement Celebration, which honored both the 2020 and 2021 retirees. Ten retirees attended and were recognized during the celebration: Kelly Box, Jill Dulay, Marianne Daniels, Kathryn McAndrew, Kay McCarthy, Rita Lang, Mike Modrovsky, Cathleen Taylor, and Chris Weigand. Also retiring, but unable to attend were Darlene Doyle, Judy Keilar, Debbie Kussoff, Stephen Langendoerfer, Robert Markwith, Becky Senft, Robin Sampson, Sue Short, and Dave Wacker.

President of the Wayne Highlands Education Association Gretchen Israel served as Master of Ceremonies.

Gregory Frigoletto, Wayne Highlands School District Superintendent presented retirees with a plaque from the District.

President Israel and Celebration Chair Jamie Brown presented honored guests with a WHEA gift and a framed certificate.

Wayne Highlands School District retiring staff members, including Sheila Brown, a Personal Care Assistant at Lakeside Elementary, Louis Napolitano, a cafeteria worker at Stourbridge Primary Center, Jim Burchell, a custodian at the Wayne Highlands Middle School, Linda Forlenza, a Personal Care Assistant at Lakeside Elementary, Patty Weidner, a custodian at Stourbridge Primary Center, and Kathleen Spaulding, a cafeteria worker at Honesdale High School were acknowledged during the evening for their impact on the excellence of the Wayne Highlands School District.

Dick Roberts was presented with the Friend of Education Award for his work with Wayne Highlands Students. He is a former mathematics teacher in the Wayne Highlands School District. He returns to the school regularly to share his expertise with psychology classes. He works with students who are struggling using his vast knowledge and calming presence. He is an invaluable resource to students and teachers alike.

Kelly Box, raised in the Wayne Highlands School District, started her career at Damascus Elementary School and worked her way to Lakeside Elementary School, where she finished her career in a brand-new building working with the best team ever. She was actively involved in the Wayne Highlands Education Association, serving as building representative, secretary, and member of the negotiations and grievance committees.

Marianne Daniels, born and raised locally, was originally a Copy Editor turned teacher. She worked at Wallenpaupack Area School District and then finished her career at Honesdale High School teaching English. She is thrilled to spend more time with her husband, wonderful children, and grandchildren in retirement.

Jill Dulay, another local lady, began her career in WHSD at Preston School, then spent one year at Wayne Highlands Middle School, and spent the rest of her tenure at Lakeside Elementary teaching fifth grade. She wants to thank her family for all the sacrifices they made as she reached her career goals. Being a part of a fantastic school district, with admirable mentors, administration, co-workers, and students has been a delight.

Judy Kielar started in the WHSD as a long tern sub as a Guidance Counselor and when it became a full-time position that spanned Lincoln Elementary School, Damascus, and Lakeside she couldn’t have been more thrilled. She plans to enjoy retirement the way most do – by slowing down.

Debbie Kussoff’s career has spanned several school districts as well as several buildings in the WHSD, but her favorite was Damascus where she taught Family and Consumer Science for 36 years. She wants to thank her husband for her his support and her three wonderful children.

Rita Lang, who brightens any room, has been a part of the Wayne Highlands family since 2003 and spend her career at Damascus Elementary teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. She plans to enjoy her home and spend lots of time outside in retirement.

Stephen Langendoerfer has never lived more than 1 mile from the school. He has spent 34 of his 34 ½ years teaching in Honesdale High School. He has coached track and field, football, basketball, and golf throughout his tenure. He plans to travel, play golf, and continue his photography business in retirement.

Chris Weigand taught for 34 years in Honesdale High School. She coached, chaperoned, worked on committees, and mentored many students. She will miss her co-workers and is so proud to have been part of public education.

Maria West started out at NEUI19 and was lucky enough to land a permanent position in the WHSD where she taught Special Education at Honesdale High School. She has coached basketball and softball and will continue volunteering with athletics. Besides Penn State – HHS and the WHSD has been her second home!

Mike Modrovsky compared his experiences at WHSD to the game of Plinko – without his wonderful job he wouldn’t have his wonderful life.

Cathleen Taylor described Wayne Highlands School District in another heart-warming way, “Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” –Lilo and Stich

Best wishes to all the retirees and thank you for your service --- your impact will never be forgotten!