Whittier Tech honors retiring instructors and highlights student success at year-end meeting

The Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School Committee recognized a group of retiring staff members and heard end-of-year reports on athletics and student activities at its June 10 meeting.

Superintendent Lynch honored longtime staffers including Jean Thomas, an automotive instructor since 2005; Kathy Castan Ellis, a math instructor since 2004; culinary instructor Chitza Binga, on staff since 2001; Jane and Paul Mosovich, each with decades of service in health and vocational instruction; and Cara Cosmos, the business manager since July 2013. Several retirees and colleagues spoke briefly to thank the committee and staff for their support.

Student representative Sky delivered a report on spring athletics and extracurriculars, noting achievements across programs: girls softball’s 9–11 season, boys baseball (5–13) with a young pitching staff, volleyball winning the conference and qualifying for state, track with four school records and several divisional qualifiers, and expanding participation in lacrosse. Clubs and activities received praise: Multicultural Club’s culture night, GSA’s pride party, Interact Club’s community service plans, SkillsUSA participation at the national conference in Atlanta, and the journalism club’s fifth issue of the Wildcats magazine. Sky also reported the yearbook program generated $8,257 in savings, halving the district’s price to students.

The committee applauded staff and students for the year’s accomplishments and extended best wishes to the retirees, highlighting their long service and connections with former students.