17 educators and staff recognized for decades of service
May 12, 2016
School Committee Chairman Melvin Lazarus (left) presents Ellen Osborne with a Certificate of Recognition for 30 years of service as an art educator. At John W. Decas Elementary School, she is also considered an interior decorator. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
As it does each year, the School Committee Recognition Night congratulated several teachers and staff members for their decades of service in the school system on Wednesday.
The principals of John W. Decas Elementary School, Minot Forest Elementary School, Wareham Middle School, Wareham High School, and Superintendent Dr. Kim Shaver-Hood called up the faculty members one by one and expressed their appreciation.
The following people were awarded for 30 years of service:
- Heidi G Giovanni, teacher (Minot Forest)
- Colleen Kirby, teacher (Wareham High School)
- Elaine Knight, bus driver
- Daniel Minkle, principal (Wareham Middle School)
- Ronnie Oliver, teacher (Wareham Middle School)
- Ellen Osborn, teacher (Decas)
For their 20 years of service, the following were given awards:
- Susan Akins, nurse (Wareham Middle School)
- Kristine Ansell, secretary (Decas)
- Janis Campagnone, teacher
- Nancy Cederholm, secretary (Decas)
- Jane Collins-Fondulis, coordinator
- James Couto, custodian (Wareham Middle School)
- Marie Ferreira, bus driver/paraprofessional (Wareham Middle School)
- Rosemary Holmgren, custodian (Decas)
- Lisa Ottaviano, guidance counselor (Minot Forest)
- Keith Petipas, teacher (Wareham Middle School)
- Karen Ross-Nasveschuk, secretary (Minot Forest)
Each awardee was given a certificate and a pin. For pictures of those who were present to receive the awards, see below.
School Committee Chairman Melvin Lazarus (left) presents Ellen Osborne with a Certificate of Recognition for 30 years of service as an art educator. At John W. Decas Elementary School, she is also considered an interior decorator. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Kristine Ansell (right) is recognized for 20 years of service to John W. Decas Elementary School by School Committee Chair Melvin Lazarus (left). "Every day she exhibits the care necessary when working with young children," said Principal Donna Noonan. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Superintendent Dr. Kim Shaver-Hood (right) and School Committee Chair Melvin Lazarus (left) present Nancy Cederholm with a certificate of recognition for her 20 years of service as a special education teacher at John W. Decas Elementary School. Principal Donna Noon described her as "flexible" and "active." BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Lisa Ottaviano (right) has been a guidance counselor for 20 years at Minot Forest Elementary School. Here, she is being presented with a Certificate of Recognition by School Committee Chair Melvin Lazarus. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Karen Ross-Nasveschuk (right) is recognized for her 20 years of service to the school system as a secretary for Minot Forest Elementary School by Melvin Lazarus, chair of the School Committee (left). BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
School Committee Chair Melvin Lazarus (left) and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood (right) presents Heidi Di Giovanni with a certificate of recognition. Di Giovanni has been a teacher at Minot Forest Elementary School for 30 years, and is known as an "awesome baker" and for her "fudgey Fridays," according to Principal Joan Seamans. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
"I'll take care of you," is what Susan Atkins, a nurse at Wareham Middle School, has told her patients time and time again. She is seen here (center) receiving a certificate of recognition for 20 years of service at Wareham Middle School from School Committee Chair Melvin Lazarus (left) and Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood (right). BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
James Couto (right) has served as a custodian at the Wareham Middle School for 20 years. He was recognized for his service by School Committee Chair Melvin Lazarus (left), the School Committee, and members of the community on Wednesday night. Principal Dan Minkle described Couto as "always having a sense of humor." BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood (right) present Marie Ferreira (center) with a Certificate of Recognition for her 20 years of service as a bus driver and paraprofessional at Wareham Middle School. "When the kids need it the most, you are there," said Principal Dan Minkle . BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Wareham Middle School Principal Dan Minkle (center) was recognized for his 30 years of service in the school system. He will retire at the end of this school year. Next to him is School Committee Chair Melvin Lazarus. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Wareham High School's Colleen Kirby (right) was recognized for her 30 years of service as a teacher and presented an award by School Committee Chair Melvin Lazarus (left). In a statement she wrote, "I will always hold this community close to my heart." BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
School Committee Chair Melvin Lazarus (left) hands a certificate of recognition to Jane Collins-Fondulus (right) for her 20 years of service as a coordinator for Wareham schools. BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
Nearly in tears, Elaine Knight (right) was recognized for her 30 years as a bus driver for Wareham. She's seen here receiving a certificate of recognition by School Committee Chair Melvin Lazarus (left). Finance Manager Michael MacMillan described her as a "teacher, custodian, and friend to some of our most vulnerable students." BY ZARRIN TASNIM AHMED
