DIXFIELD — Thirteen staff members and one board member from Regional School Unit 10 were honored Monday night for more than 350 years of combined service.

Among those honored was Mountain Valley Middle School physical education teacher and coach Elaine Michaud, who was presented with a sentiment from the 127th Legislature by Richard Pickett, R-Dixfield, for more than 38 years of service.

Current Mountain Valley Middle School Principal Ryan Casey said he was a student of Michaud’s when he attended the school.

Rebecca Kerr, who has taught elementary school for 35 years, was also honored.

“This is extraordinary,” said Superintendent Craig King following the ceremony. “The kids know you have all made a difference in their lives.”

Mountain Valley High School Principal Matt Gilbert presented retiring Rumford Elementary School Principal Christopher Decker with a plaque.

“We go back to the mid-90s at Tripp Middle School (in Turner) and we’ve both been assistant principals,” said Gilbert, adding that Decker has been instrumental in Mountain Valley High School’s Keeping Students Safe program.

King said he and Rumford school board member Brad Gallant, who chose not to run for re-election, have worked together since both became involved with RSU 10.

“He is engaged in the community and he actually listens,” King said. “His wife was a substitute teacher and now she can become a (regular) teacher.”

Other retiring long-term staff who were recognized Monday night were Susan Boyce-Cormier, Dirigo region; Kathleen Clough, Dirigo Middle School; Linda Howe, Rumford Elementary School; Deborah Mooney, Dirigo High School; Diana Nye, Buckfield Junior-Senior High School; Priscilla Prevost, Mountain Valley High School; Prudence Schofield, Dirigo Elementary School; Kristen Scott, Rumford Elementary; Deborah Touchette, Dixfield Elementary; and Nicholas Waugh, Dixfield Elementary.

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