North Merrick Board honors retirees for decades of service

The North Merrick Union Free School District Board of Education opened its June meeting by honoring a group of retiring staff and teachers whose combined service spans more than a century.

"It is with gratitude and a touch of sadness that we are here tonight to honor Maria Castle after over 31 years of being a teacher in North Merrick," a presenter said as the board called retirees forward. Maria Castle was recognized for leadership on district committees and her work at Camp Avenue and Fayette schools.

The board also recognized Arlene Lucero for 27 years of service, praising her work across five grade levels and as a teacher-center director; Kathy Marquetos for 25 years supporting English-language learners; Sheila Kushner for roughly 20 years in kindergarten and theater arts; Pam (Pamela) Schloss for 18 years as a teacher’s assistant and co-teaching leader; and Mary Hegarty for 21 years of service, beginning as a lunch monitor and later as a special-education aide.

Dr. Sinyak and board members offered brief remarks of thanks and invited retirees and their families to accept the board’s congratulations. The recognition segment closed with a light moment from the Chair and a transition to regular agenda business.

The tributes highlighted individual classroom impact, mentorship of colleagues and district continuity as members move into retirement.