Lorain City Schools Honors 62 Staff Retirees for Lifetimes of Service

With tiaras, cheers, laughter, and more than a few heartfelt tears, Lorain City Schools honored 62 retiring staff members Friday afternoon in a warm celebration of lives well spent serving students.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham offered words of admiration and gratitude during the luncheon, which recognized the district's newest retirees, from those with decades of experience to those just beginning their next chapter.

"Once the shock of retirement wears off," Graham told the crowd, "I want each of you to reflect on the number of lives you have touched over the years. On behalf of Lorain's students and families—for the last 38 years, in some cases—thank you for giving your time to Lorain City Schools."

The longest-serving retiree honored at the luncheon marked 38 years with the district. Others have shaped classrooms, departments, and offices in ways both seen and unseen, leaving behind legacies that ripple far beyond school walls.

As names were called, smiles beamed and applause echoed through the room. Some retirees walked up to receive a much-deserved retirement gift in a quiet daze, still absorbing the weight of the moment. Others embraced the spirit with flair, crowning themselves with glittering tiaras that proclaimed their new title: retired.

From travel plans to personal goals, each retiree shared a bit of what comes next.

Lynn Gasdick joked that retirement is "all about me"—and who could argue with that? Erin Gerber plans to hit the pickleball court, while Sam Newsome is looking forward to "time to stop and reflect, to see where the page turns next."

Angelia Washington, known for rising well before 5:00 a.m. to make it to work by 7:40, says her body needs a few weeks to adjust to her new laid-back schedule. Her real adventure begins in October, when she'll cross the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta off her bucket list.

Myrna Williams is leaving the district after a journey that began in a kindergarten classroom in Lorain. Her story—spanning from student to staff member—is a full-circle tribute to the place she's called home for much of her life.

Others plan to travel to Italy, the Netherlands, and France. Some are focused on improving their health, spending more time with grandchildren, taking on home improvement projects, or relocating for a fresh start. But one common theme ran through each farewell: a desire to relax, exhale, and rediscover life's simple joys.

As the luncheon closed, the room buzzed with laughter, hugs, and memories shared. There was no mistaking it—Lorain City Schools isn't just losing employees. It's bidding farewell to mentors, colleagues, and friends.

Friday's Honorees included:

• Andrew Bastock

• Christopher Bierek

• Kathleen Boone

• Edward Botke

• Barbara Bowman

• Susan Brelo

• Cynthia Campbell-Curry

• Jessica Castro

• Kimberly Clark

• Donna Cobos

• Amy Cotterill

• Denise D'Andrea

• Tina DiPaolo

• David Durdak

• Yvette Faria

• Leila Flores

• Cynthia Fuller

• Lynn Gasdick

• Erin Gerber

• Karin Haas

• David Hawkins

• Marcia Hennessee

• Tim Jama

• Myrna Jones

• Arlinda Keaton

• Jim Kolaczko

• David Krafcik

• Rona Lauricia

• Lisa Lieben

• Mary Logan

• Joyce McKenzie

• Maria Mendez

• Elva Mendoza

• Jennifer Mesar

• Erin Michalski

• Renee Miller

• Jacqueline Murdock

• Andrew Naelitz

• Laura Naelitz

• Samuel Newsome Jr.

• Dino Pappas

• Sandra Peloquin

• Marta Peralta

• John Ramage

• Daniel Ransom

• Patricia Renner

• Karen Rossi

• Kimberly Shaarda

• Scott Sherwood

• Geraldine Shukait

• Nancy Skaggs

• Robin Smith

• Rebecca Soucek

• Aretha Taylor-Paydock

• Susan Wargo

• Angelia Washington

• Dawn Webb

• Douglas White

• Kathy Wildman

• Myrna Williams

• Anna Winnan

• Patricia Zvosec