By Jarret Liotta
More than five centuries of experience were celebrated Monday night when the Westport Board of Education honored 25 retiring employees.
Nicholas Mariconda and Erica Messina, who shared a combined 64 years in the district teaching music. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com
“The number one indication of good education are the front line people who interact with our students,” said Chairman Mark Mathias.
“I am humbled by the impact I’ve been able to have on so many lives,” said Erica Messina, who taught music for 21 years in town.
“I will always be thankful and humble that I’ve had the opportunity to teach in a town that values music as Westport does,” said Messina, whose own children attended school here.
Nicholas “Nick” Mariconda, Staples High School’s venerable bandleader, said goodbye after 43 years.
“You truly are an unsung hero (and) you were always doing great when no one was looking,” said James Farnen, assistant principal.
Kathie Moskovitz, second grade teacher and science specialist, talks about retiring. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com
“I’ve had an amazing run here,” Mariconda said, noting that he had both sour notes and many beautiful notes.
“This is a beautiful place to teach,” he said. “Keep the performing arts alive. I know you will.”
Along with music, one of the district veteran science mavens — Kathie Moskovitz, second grade teacher at Saugatuck Elementary School — retired after 30 years.
“The kids just adore science,” she said, noting the value of professional development the district has provided.
“I just want to say thank you to Westport because I was given a lot of opportunities,” she said.
“This is a bittersweet evening,” said Karen DeFelice, co-president of the Westport Education Association.
Diane Bader, a teacher at Saugatuck Elementary School, shares her thoughts about retirement. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com
“We feel sadness is saying farewell to a special group who has given so much,” she said.
Other retirees included Diane Bader, Grace Berry, Carol Borrman, Tommaso Cataudo, Jean Chiappetta, Michele Cirino, Jennifer Dayton, Lorraine DiNapoli, Jacqueline Dogali, Vilelmo Evaristo, Sheila Florio, Janice Frost, Janet Garstka, Joel Kabak, Timothy Lyons, Elizabeth McGinty, Colin Neenan, Ellen Redgate, Elizabeth Russ, Joanna Seiter, Maria Vailakis-Wippick, and Eileen Wolson.
“Thank you for being the number one reason why we have such a good school system here in Westport,” Mathias said.
