The Board of Education honored retiring educators during its June 2 meeting, which was conducted virtually with attendees joining the meeting by calling or videoing in.

“I have the honor of recognizing those staff members this evening who will be retiring at the end of this school year,” Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue said at the start of the celebration.

Combined, the superintendent highlighted, the retiring educators represent 126 years of teaching in Newtown and 196 years in the field of education in total.

The district later released the following brief biographies for each teacher’s career in town. Dr Rodrigue also read the descriptions for the meeting.

Tracy Fanelli: Fanelli was hired in September 1984 as a .5 kindergarten and .5 special education teacher at Hawley Elementary School, and in 1988 moved to a full-time kindergarten position. In 1992, Fanelli moved to second grade, and she has taught for 36 years in Newtown. She has been in education for 38 years.

Keith Hedin: Hedin was hired in September 1984 as a music teacher at Newtown Middle School and the elementary schools. In 1986 he became full time at the middle school. He previously taught for five years in the Stamford Public Schools. Combined with his 36 years in Newtown, Hedin has been in education for 41 years.

Jennifer Huettner: Huettner was hired August 1999 as the Latin teacher at NHS. She resigned June 2010 and returned in 2014. Previous teaching included 17 years in Oklahoma and four years in Westport. Combined with 17 years in Newtown, Huettner has been in education for 38 years.

Carol Pelligra: Pelligra was hired in August 2003 as an art teacher at NHS and she previously taught for 25 years in Bridgeport. Combined with 17 years in Newtown, Pelligra has been in education for 42 years.

Donna Perugini: Perugini was hired in August 2000 as an art teacher at Head O’ Meadow Elementary School and previously taught in Shelton for 17 years. In 2015 Perugini began working between Head O’ Meadow and Hawley. Combined with 20 years in Newtown, Perugini has been in education for 37 years.

Fanelli, Huettner, and Perugini spoke, each sharing their appreciation for the community and hopes for the future.

“It’s like a second family to me. I love Hawley School,” Fanelli said. “I always felt it was never a career for me, but more of a passion.”

Huettner said she will miss everyone, and she will still “be around.”

Perugini said she remembers, when first arriving in the district, “being in awe” of everyone she met.

“I am going to miss everyone deeply,” Perugini said.

Board of Education Chair Michelle Embree Ku thanked all of the retirees on behalf of her board for their “impressive amount of service” over the years.