The monthly meeting of the Kent County Board of Education Monday, June 8 had a celebratory air, with awards and recognitions handed out.
Community members who provided outstanding support for Kent County Public Schools and staff members who are departing after decades of service were honored by the board.
John Schratwieser, center, receives a Standing Ovation Award from the Kent County Board of Education for his support of the school system's arts programs.
The celebrations began with Standing Ovations Awards bestowed on John Schratwieser and Bob Ortiz.
Schratwieser has long been a champion for the school system's arts programs, providing support in his role as the executive director of the Kent Cultural Alliance.
Superintendent Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas called Schratwieser "a relentless advocate" for children, artists and teachers.
Chestertown resident Bob Ortiz, center, is the recipient of the Kent County Board of Education's Standing Ovation Award. Ortiz donated many of his woodworking tools and equipment to the school system.
Ortiz is a renowned woodworker and furniture maker. He has decided to retire and donated many of his tools and equipment to Kent County High School for carpentry students in the Career and Technical Education program.
McComas praised Ortiz for his exceptional generosity. She said his donation will allow students to further their education in woodworking "in his spirit and his legacy."
The celebrations included recognizing the seven staff members who are retiring at the end of the year: from Kent County High School custodians Charlotte Blackston, Justine Skinner and Valerie Sorrell and instructional assistant Cheryl Hartmetz; from Kent County Middle School secretary Laura Barrett; and from H.H. Garnet Elementary School cafeteria worker Michelle Atkinson.
Director of Teaching and Learning Gina Jachimowicz was recognized for her retirement at both the board meeting and earlier in the day when she was presented with a Lighthouse Award from Dr. McComas and Director Human Resources Dan Hushion.
Thery recognized Jachimowicz for her dedication to children and her nearly 40 years in education, including 35 years in Kent County Public Schools.
At the board meeting, Hushion said the annual retirement celebration is always a special night.
"We say 'goodbye,' but it is a good 'goodbye,'" Hushion said. "We have seven folks tonight that we will be celebrating who combining their years of experience have over 225 years of service. So that is outstanding."
Board President Trish McGee gave special recognition to Atkinson.
McGee said that during the COVID lockdown, Atkinson was on the front line ensuring that even with classes being virtual, students were still receiving meals prepared by the schools.
Hushion himself was surprised with a Navigator Award from Dr. McComas for exceptional leadership, as he is transitioning to a new job outside of Kent County Public Schools next month.
