POINT PLEASANT BEACH — The Point Pleasant Beach Board of Education recognized three retiring staff members at the meeting on Tuesday where they also received a jest from the superintendent asking them to ‘stick it out’ for the last few days of school.
“The appreciation we have for you is impossible to caption in a resolution,” said Superintendent of Point Pleasant Beach School District William Smith. “You are all talented professionals and your impact on the students, I think there is still something magical about teaching the elementary grades, you shape and impact our kids so dramatically…As you walk away from your careers, don’t forget us, but savor the moment.”
The three staff members, including two teachers and the School Resource Officer, were recognized for their time in the district and congratulated on their retirement at the end of the school year during the presentation and resolution portion of the meeting.
Holly Harris is an aide teacher and has been a student advocate since 1994. She is a 29-year tenured teacher in Point Beach, most recently teaching Mathematics at the Antrim Elementary School. According to Board President Sherry Finn, she also assisted with school talent shows and musicals, as well as school celebrations including Arbor Day. Other awards included her recognition as teacher of the year in 2010.
The next teacher recognized was Karen Serwin, who has been a teacher since 1998 as well as a paraprofessional at the elementary school. Ms. Serwein is a 25-year tenured teacher who, according to Ms. Finn, volunteered her time during school budget season, end of the year kindergarten programs, Read Across America celebrations and the new school district Health and Wellness campaign. Along with all her time in the district, she also raised two Garnet Gulls herself.
“Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Serwin hold a special place in my heart,” said Principal of Antrim Elementary Tara Weber. “It is really sad to see both of them go…we have grown so much together and we are really going to miss them.”
Finally, Student Resource Officer Detective Derek O’Neill was recognized for his 10 years of service to the Point Beach School District. He served from 2013 to 2023 and helped to implement the Bike Rodeo and Summer Police Camp for the students. During his time in the district, he assisted with security drills, reunification programs and took time to participate in professional development programs.
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