Six Staff Members Reach 25-Year Milestone
Six members of the Katonah-Lewisboro team were recognized by their colleagues during the Aug. 31 Superintendent’s Conference Day.
Each honoree was called to stand in front of district personnel while her supervisor or building principal reflected on her many years of service to the district before she was gifted a bowl.
John Jay High School art teacher Julie Evans-Kaser, Principal Jessica Godin said, is an inspiration to her students who “gently pushes them out of their comfort zone…[and] inspires students to be proactive.”
Barbara Semenetz, Godin’s secretary at JJHS, is a graduate herself of the Katonah-Lewisboro School District.
“Barbara is one of the most studious workers,” said Godin. “John Jay would not be John Jay without Barbara Semenetz.”
Computer Aide Lorraine Pidgeon was recognized by Director of Technology Ahunna Akoma, who recalled the many roles Pidgeon has assumed since she started in the district at Lewisboro Elementary School in 1989. Akoma applauded Pidgeon’s work ethic in her current position with the technology department.
Senior Office Assistant Nancy Cogswell, who has three children who all graduated from John Jay High School, currently keeps operations running smoothly in the John Jay Middle School guidance department, said Principal Richard Leprine.
“Nancy brings a sunny disposition to work with her every day,” he said. “She is respectful, extremely professional and a consummate team player.”
Leprine also had kinds words for Holly Kellogg, an art teacher at JJMS, whom he recognized as being a talented artist herself — “She is very passionate herself and that translates to her students,” he said. Kellogg is also a John Jay High School alumna.
Cristy Harris, Katonah Elementary School’s principal, spoke highly of second-grade teacher Judy McBride, whose three children are JJHS graduates, praising her “unbridled enthusiasm for all things new.”
“Judy is not afraid to take risks in the classroom,” said Harris. “[She] is all about making learning fun and meaningful.”