The Shoreham-Wading River Unit board congratulates some of their newest retirees. Front row, from left, Maria Mistretta, unit secretary; Mary Jean Carlson, unit president; Carol Janecek, retiree; Ronnie Godizarro, retiree; Sandy Pedersen, retiree; Gail Longo, unit vice president. Back row, Manette DeRosa, unit treasurer.
This year, Ronnie Godizarro, Sandy Pederson and Carol Janecek can add themselves to that list of names. Collectively, all three have worked at Shoreham-Wading River Central School District for a total of 68 years.
The retiree’s colleagues and friends recently came together to wish them well as they enter into the next phase of their lives.
Shoreham-Wading River Unit President Mary Jean Carlson wrote letters to the retirees in honor of their long careers of dedicated public service at the school. The following is text from Carlson’s letters:
Ronnie Godizarro
“Ronnie Godizarro has worked in the high school as an evening custodian for the past 30 years. Ronnie is a behind-the-scenes worker. Many employees reap the benefit of Ronnie’s work ethic.
Teachers have expressed to me that Ronnie is very friendly and helpful. Ronnie’s immediate supervisor, Anthony, stated that Ronnie is reliable, always early for work, and willing to work overtime. His co-workers said Ronnie is always willing to lend a hand. He has the heart of gold and means well and will do anything to help you. Germaine said, “Ronnie, you are the best janitor in Suffolk County.”
Due to the length of time Ronnie has worked in the high school, he has had to adapt to many different administrators and transitions in the building. And he couldn’t have picked a better time to go being how busy the high school will be this summer. As you can imagine, he has endured many changes.
Retirement comes at a great time for Ronnie. He will be able to relax and enjoy his grandson. Ronnie, we will miss you.”
Sandy Pederson
“Sandy Pederson has been a teaching assistant for 26 years, the last 11 spent in the High School Life skills program. You always see Sandy walking down the hallways with one or more students. They are usually laughing. Frequently, they are seen walking arm-in-arm. The students’ faces show the joy they are getting from interacting with Sandy. For these students, Sandy makes everyday a special day. She expressed to me that this is the one true thing she will miss; her students.
Matt Millheiser said of Sandy, “Sandy’s ability to go above and beyond the call of duty is what makes her so special. She never forgets a name, birthday, or special occasion. She even remembers to reserve the student’s favorite lunches early in the day in case the cafeteria sells out by 6th period. She has also been known to pay for them if the students are a little short. As a mentor, Sandy was a great sounding board for me when I first arrived. Nervous and unsure of myself, her quiet demeanor and reassuring glances would let me know I was doing OK. I will forever be grateful for her support and guidance through the first three years of my career.”
Sandy, we will miss you. Enjoy retirement. I personally am jealous that you will be sitting on a beach in Florida.”
Carol Janecek
Carol Janecek, a teaching assistant (TA) in the middle school, primarily works as the science TA. She has worked closely with the science teachers in the building, setting up and breaking down and assisting with the various labs on all three grade levels. She is also responsible for ordering, organizing and shopping for the supplies for the science department. Carol made many trips to local stores to purchase items used in the labs. In addition, she was responsible for the set up and breakdown of the Earth Science and New York State Assessment practical portions of these exams.
On many occasions, Carol was also asked to cover for absent teachers, teaching assistants or to supervise students who were assigned to lunch detention or in-school suspension. Due to her varying schedule, the phrases “Has anyone seen Carol?” or “Where’s Carol” were often heard throughout the building.
Carol will be greatly missed by everyone at the middle school and we wish her all the best for a healthy and happy retirement!
We do have one more retiree who was unable to attend today. We wish Rose Bennett much happiness.
