Laughter and voices filled the Colonie Central High School MUG on Thursday, Sept. 1 during the South Colonie Opening Day Ceremony.
Hundreds of South Colonie’s teachers and staff members came together to kick-off the start of the school year.
“It was such a nice morning seeing all of our staff in one location,” said the Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perry. “It has been several years since we have held a traditional opening day ceremony and it was exciting to be able to bring everyone together and share all that is happening with South Colonie. It was also nice to take the opportunity to recognize some of our employees.”
During the opening day celebration, the following individuals were recognized for their longstanding service and commitment to South Colonie students and families.
Congratulations to the following individuals:
40+ years of service
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- Mary Jane Albanese, 42
- Thomasa Nielsen, 41
35-39 years of service
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- Allen Reedy
- Carol Pinkans
- Charlene Bologna
- Christine Carhart
- Gesine Dibble
- Joanne Rhynder
- Patrick Larocco
- Pegeen Jensen
- Penny Manly
- Peter Tunny
- Stephen Garry
- Sue Anne Shank
- Susan Dibernardo
- Susan Kelly
- Timothy Wright
30-34 years of service
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- Alan Schwank
- Alison Doxie
- Anne Conway
- Anthony Jesmain
- Beth Casabonne
- Charles Nagel
- Deborah Thomas
- Deena Griffith
- Delynn Wickham
- Diane Reilly
- Jill Penn
- Joanne Kalsher
- Joseph Conway
- Joseph Willey
- Karyl Meehan
- Katherine Bianchi
- Kathleen McHale
- Kathleen Tunny
- Kimberly Ringer
- Laura Backus
- Laurinda Halliday
- Lisa Ann Corcoran
- Lisa Ann Destaso-Jones
- Lisa Marcone
- Lori Duraski
- Mary Downey
- Maureen Flaherty
- Melissa Stross
- Nora Sullivan
- Patrick Kelley
- Sheri Harriman
- Sherri Long
- Shirley Allen
- Susan Campbell
- Susan Meyer
- Tammy Weingarten
- Thomi Mitchel
- Timothy Backus
- Timothy Nimmer
- Todd Sitterly
- Wendy Kelley
“We have such dedicated employees,” Perry said. “They deserve to be recognized for not only their contributions during the pandemic but for their service to the district for many years.”
In addition to Employee Recognition, Dr. Perry previewed the district’s Strategic Vision 2025 and the Next Generation Colonie capital project scope which was approved by the South Colonie Board of Education on Aug. 30. Staff and faculty also received a brief welcome from Board of Education President Brian Casey.
“Welcome to the new staff, to the staff who have been here for a few years, and the staff that have given it all during their careers here,” Casey said. “As a parent and a grandparent of the district I just want to tell you from the bottom of my heart thank you.”
The meeting wrapped up with a presentation from SCTA President Jim Duffy.
South Colonie will welcome students back to school on Wednesday, Sept. 7. Faculty and staff will spend the next couple of days preparing for the return of students.