Wareham School Committee Secretary Cliff Sylvia received a warm send-off as his final term on the committee came to a close Wednesday night.

Sylvia completed five, three-year terms on the School Committee. Prior to that he was a teacher in the school system, embarking on his first years teaching in the district more than 40 years ago. He also kick-started DECA, Wareham High School's business club, now going strong in its 43rd year.

“All I have to say is that I started in Wareham in 1966. I hope I’ve made a small contribution to the school system, but more importantly I hope that I’ve made a small contribution to Wareham,” Sylvia said. “I love this town, I love the kids, I love the school system. No matter what people say, I know we have a wonderful school system.”

Fellow committee member Judith Caporiccio thanked Sylvia for his hard work over the years.

“You talk a lot about the history of this school,” she told Sylvia, “but you made the history. You’ve been here since 1966. You brought DECA to the school. And that’s only part of your legacy. I wish you the best.”

Committee member Geoff Swett provided Sylvia with an unexpected surprise: a small plaque in recognition of his tireless work on behalf of the Wareham school system over the years.

“It was my personal pleasure to serve with you,” he told Sylvia as he handed him the plaque. “I wish you the best.”