ACS recognized and thanked volunteers, faculty, and staff for their commitment and service over the past school year at our annual Thank-You Lunch on Monday, June 13 in the Multi-Purpose Room. Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz said that ACS was blessed with over 50 parents, grandparents, and friends in the community who gave generously of their time and talents as volunteers.
“Whenever we ask for help, you always respond so generously; the body of Christ is working actively together here,” Delacruz said, as he recognized each volunteer at the lunch and presented them with a potted plant as a thank-you gift. Services Coordinator Anne Block also recognized and thanked the volunteers who serve daily in the lunch room. “The cafeteria does not run without volunteers helping serve lunch,” Block said. “You’re dedicated, you show up on time, we thank you 100 times over.”
Some of the other volunteers who attended the luncheon served on the Parent Teacher Fellowship Board, sold concessions in the Cougar Den, helped train teachers in integrating technology into the curriculum, served on the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Committee, and helped with the Race for Education and Harvest Day events.
The volunteers who were able to attend the luncheon are, from left: Greg Louderback, Terry Vogel, Kathleen Rex, Amanda Costello, Lisa Connolly, Polly Ellison, Alisun Klingert, Katelin Klingert, Melissa Reed, Margie Rosso, and Sandy Settles.
ACS also gave a warm send-off to five faculty members who are leaving ACS to pursue other endeavors. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen presented the departing employees with personalized ACS sweat-shirts and framed word art created out of words that fellow employees used to described their character and abilities.
Elementary Principal and Early Ed Center Director Gail Alford spoke with high praise for Early Education teacher Robin Genter, who is retiring after 12 years at ACS. “Robin was the Early Education Center Director before me and she has been a wise and kind mentor to me,” Alford said. “Everything she does is with such grace, joy, and dignity. ”
Alford also spoke with gratitude about the joyous approach to teaching displayed by 2nd grade teacher Abby Meza and 5th grade teacher Katie D’Aquilante. Meza is leaving ACS to be a new mom; her due date is August 27. D’Aquilante is relocating to be with her family in Tennessee, where she plans to continue her career as a teacher. 5th grade teacher Nadya Lorick arrived at the end of the luncheon, but plans to stay connected to ACS as she takes a different teaching position in the area.
Upper School Principal Meg McHale asked for God’s blessing on faculty member Rebecca Stonelake as she leaves ACS after 9 years as a high school science teacher. “She has been well-loved by her students and she has loved being in the classroom,” McHale said. “We will miss you and know that you will follow God’s direction as He leads you down a different path.”
The five departing employees are, from left to right: Early Education teacher Robin Genter; high school science teacher Rebecca Stonelake; 5th grade teacher Kaitlin D’Aquilante; 2nd grade teacher Abigail Meza; and 5th grade teacher Nadya Lorick.