By Dana Williams
Although many of the honorees were unable to attend the ceremony, School Board President Mary Jo O'Hagan acknowledged each recipient by reading their citation, which included a brief description of their accomplishments throughout their years working in education.
"The Board of Education and district administration thanks you for your dedicated service and wishes you a happy and healthy retirement," O'Hagan said at the end of each presentation.
Baldwin High School Principal Susan Knors took a moment to speak about Robert Devlin - a longtime counselor and treasurer for Baldwin High - and told how Devlin brightens the working environment in the high school's main office. Knors, who began to cry while she spoke about Devlin's work at the school, made those in attendance laugh collectively when she explained how Devlin excelled at being the only man working in Baldwin High's main office.
"Working with all of the women in our main office, Mr. Devlin by now knows more about diets, hair, makeup, and the latest entertainment news than any other financial expert in the world," Knors said.
Knors also thanked Devlin for helping her with the school's budget, maintaining the school's supplies and for his constant participation in annual Baldwin High School events such as Spirit Week.
"Mr. Devlin is really the most kindest, warmest and most extraordinarily intelligent guy that anyone would be lucky enough to work with," Knors added in the high school's cafeteria, filled with over 50 people. "He is the knight in shining armor for the main office, and by far one of the most love staff members in our school."
Michael Roccoforte, the district's assistant superintendent for instruction, spoke about retirees Petronella Cellura, principal of Shubert Elementary school, and Kathleen Dyckes, principal of Steele Elementary School.
Roccoforte called Cellura a distinguished educator and noted that the words "no" and "can't" were not a part of her vocabulary. He also called her his friend as well as his colleague. Roccoforte also took the time to announce Cellura's future plans, which include starting her own book club, traveling to Italy and working as an adjunct professor next year at Molloy College in Rockville Centre.
"On behalf of the Board of Education and district administration, we wish you good luck, good fortune and good health in all your future endeavors," Roccoforte told Cellura. After accepting her citation from O'Hagan, Cellura thanked the board of education, parents and her colleagues for all of their support throughout her eight years as a teacher and administrator in the school district.
Dyckes was acknowledged for her work as Steele Elementary School's principal for the past 11 years, and her numerous efforts in helping Baldwin students excel at math. Roccoforte said that Dyckes is the school district's "go-to person for all matters related to math."
"My only question is what we will do without you next year," Roccoforte said jokingly. "Hopefully, you will leave us your cell phone number." After accepting her award, Dyckes said that "being an educator is the most rewarding profession that anyone could have," and she thanked her colleagues and Baldwin residents for all of their support.
The district's clerk - Jacquie Ackerman - was the last retiree to be honored at the ceremony. Dr. Thomas Caramore, the district's acting superintendent of schools, said that Ackerman has been an "incredible asset" to the Baldwin School District. Ackerman, who began to cry while giving her speech, said that she felt "very fortunate to have spent 33 years" of her life working in the Baldwin School District, and the experience is something that she "would not trade for anything."
The ceremony is one that the school board hosts each year to give recognition to the district's retirees, and honor their achievements. With some honorees working more than 20 years in the Baldwin School District, many school board members said that their positive presence in the district would be missed.
