LIVERMORE FALLS – A catered banquet at Murray Hall set the tone for Wednesday night’s recognition night for SAD 36 staff.

“When we honor achievement, it has been earned, it should be special,” said Superintendent Terry Despres. “Tonight we celebrate what we are doing daily.”

“We are here to show appreciation, to raise the standards, to give honor to those who worked to move the district forward,” Despres told the large gathering of employees, spouses and friends.

Receiving individual recognition from Despres for outstanding efforts, people who took pride in something, were Red Groomes, who has overseen the renovations at the Cedar Street facility, and Colleen Akerman, technical coordinator who has overseen the installation of 250 new computers since she arrived.

Receiving flowers were Beverly Stevens, administrative assistant who helped Despres find his way in a new district; and his wife, Jayne.

Plaques also went to four retirees: Pat Hill, 34 years; Rick Morin, 29 years; Louise Page, 25 years; and Hal Foss, 17 years.

In addition to the awards made by the superintendent, administrators from each department recognized special employees. Principal Rod Wright named Susan St. Pierre, Ginger Stoneton, Anne Weatherbee and Donna Wilcox for trying to make the high school the very best.

He and Middle School Principal Matt Gilbert both recognized Darrell Roundy for his dedication to the band.

Gilbert also recognized Denise Acritelli, Debbie Finley, Troy Eastman, Warren Forbes, Dawn Pettengill, Wilbur Shardlow and Brenda Romano as going above and beyond.

Selected by Elementary Principal Terrie Roberts were Anita Linkenbach, Pam Hamilton, Cheryl Nurse and Karen Hardy for a variety of contributions, noting how difficult it was to chose just four from her 65-member staff.

Matiana Glass recognized Brenda Merrill, Laurie Olsen and Wendy Moreau for their work in special education. “A district is judged by the way it cares for their special needs students,” she said.

Bus supervisor David Brackett chose Eleanor Jackson as an outstanding driver, telling his audience what an important part bus drivers play in the lives of the students, “facing challenges every minute of the day with 66-72 kids setting behind them.”

Director Paula Wade honored her baker, Sylvia Morris, as a dedicated employee. “It’s difficult to pick out one,” she said. “They go out of their way to mother and grandmother your kids.”

Despres presented the custodial awards to Errol Stevens, Paul Henry and Don LeSuer on behalf of supervisor David Goding, who was unable to attend.

Honored by Chairwoman Denise Rodzen and Vice-Chairwoman Jean Tardif were long time district employees.

They included: Sylvia Morris, cafeteria, and Warren Forbes, teacher, 38 years; Elaine LaPointe, teacher, 37 years; Valarie MacDowell, teacher, 34 years; Rebecca Pelletier, tech III, Harriet Chassie, teacher, Yolande Lessard, secretary and Eleanor Jackson, driver, all 33 years.

Also, Judith Schultze, teacher, 32 years; Linda Gramlich, teachers, 31 years; Henry Parlin, custodian, 30 years; Mary Hayford, driver, and Gregory Swenson, teachers, 27 years; Steve Allen, custodian, Dawn Bubier, secretary, Janet Eastman, Erla Marr-Gamage, teachers, Maria Amero, tech III, and Matiana Glass, administrator; all 26 years.

Also Susan Lamontagne and Sheila Smith, teachers, 25 years; Lorretta Maxwell, driver, Doreen Jacobs, tech III, and Judy Labbe, secretary, 24 years; Jennifer Easter, teacher, 23 years; Jacqueline Mercier, cafeteria, Linda Brackett, administrative assistant, Veronica Thompson, teacher, Beverly Stevens, administrative assistant, Darrell Roundy and Sandra Hoyt, teachers, 21 years.

Also, Richard Swanson, teachers and Claire Boucher, cafeteria, 20 years; Cheryl Nurse, tech III, Sally Boivin, secretary; Nancy Webster, cafeteria, Wilbur Shardlow, Kenneth Lyman, Diane Maurias, Bessie Loewe, and Susan St. Pierre, all 19 years.

Also, Janice Cloutier, administrative office, Rebecca Poat, Steven Hatfield, Robin Ouellette, Karen Hardy and Pauline Gill, teachers, all 18 years.

Also, Jeannine Backus, administrator, Diane Jordan, teacher, Michael Pritsky, custodian, 17 years; Vicki Thayer-Adams, Pamela Hamilton, Mark Cyr, teachers, 16 years; Mary Stevens, Debra Timberlake, Donna Wilcox, and Fran Spiotta, teachers, and David Goding, custodian, 15 years.

Sheryl Willette, John DiSotto, teachers, Aurelie Merrill, secretary, Annette Therrien, cafeteria and Cynthia Crabtree, Tech III, 14 years; Mary Davis, Steven Sweet, teachers, Paula Wade, administrator cafeteria, 13 years.

Anne Weatherbee, teacher, Debra Fournier, tech III, 12 years; Brenda Romano, secretary, Bonnie Castonguay, cafeteria, Elaine Melcher, driver, 11 years, Wendy Moreau, and Grace Eaton, teachers, and Eileen Morin, tech III, 10 years.

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