Lakewood City Schools honors longtime staff and faculty at board meeting

Lakewood City Schools used part of its board meeting to honor a large group of retiring staff members, acknowledging decades of service across classrooms, special education, custodial work, athletics and administration.

Jeffrey Schlade, director of human resources, introduced the recognition program and read biographical notes for each retiree. "We have the privilege of recognizing a remarkable group of retirees whose dedication, compassion, and service have helped shape generations of Lakewood Rangers," Schlade said, and invited each retiree to the podium to receive commemorative recognition and participate in a group photo.

The board named many retirees and summarized their contributions: Beth Byrne (speech pathology), Anne Kearney (elementary teacher), Tracy Chesmar (paraprofessional), Colleen Corrigan (middle school teacher and former Lakewood Teachers Association president), Deborah Diamond (guidance office support), Eileen Ginley (elementary teacher), Dave Hilly (science teacher and coach), Denise Leddy (elementary principal), Ellen McCafferty (SLP), Danita Mills (aide and substitute), Anne Pesta (science teacher), Matt Shields (teacher and curriculum contributor), Wiemat/Wimet Smith (assistant principal), Cheryl Smolin (special education), Colleen Wojciech (custodial and bargaining president), Meredith Voykin (administrator), among others.

Board members and administrators offered congratulations and personal remarks as names were called. The ceremony emphasized gratitude for long service and contributions to student learning and school culture. The district said photo opportunities and a group recognition were part of the plan for the evening.

No formal board action was required for the recognition itself; retirements were addressed separately in the personnel items on the consent agenda.