Six departing educators were honored at Thursday’s Swampscott School Committee meeting as the school year winds down and their retirement begins.
The retirements span all three levels of the district and represent well over a century of combined service to the district, with educators from the high school, middle school and elementary school each being recognized for careers that collectively touched thousands of Swampscott students. Peter Franklin, Anita Pappas, Christine Morgan, Donna Kielty, Catherine Quinn and Allison Norton all received rounds of applause from the room as their respective colleagues shared stories and spoke about the impact each had on the school district. Speakers highlighted the unique contributions each educator made to their schools, sharing stories of mentorship, leadership, creativity and unwavering dedication in the classroom.
High School Principal Emily Zotto said Franklin, who taught at the high school for two decades, was infamous among the student body for holding standards high and teaching rigorous courses, but no student ever regretted taking one of his classes.
“Peter has consistently championed all of our students’ growth with profound compassion,” said Zotto. “What makes him an exceptional educator is that he speaks from a place of immense life experience.”
Middle School Principal Jessica Minter took to the podium to share a few words about Pappas, who started working in the district in 1998 as a teacher’s aid.
“Anita is the kind of educator every student hopes for and every colleague cherishes,” said Minter. “Beyond her classroom, Anita has been a pillar of leadership for nearly two decades. We have been incredibly blessed by her steady guidance throughout shifting administrations, field trip planning and the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and so much more.”
Minter likened Pappas to a mother hen of her department and grade.
The other four, of the six retiring teachers, worked at the Swampscott Elementary School. Principal Lori Sanborn spoke on the quartet of Morgan, Kielty, Quinn and Norton.
“Morgan retires with a career marked by dedication, care and a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, the principal and the Swampscott school community,” said Sanborn. “She loved being a kindergarten teacher and helping children navigate their very first school experiences.”
Sanborn said watching kindergarteners grow and blossom over the course of the school year was one of Morgan’s greatest joys.
“Her classroom was a place filled with warmth, patience, encouragement and care where every child felt welcomed and supported,” said Sanborn.
Sanborn said Kielty brought “something extra” into everything she did.
“Your creativity inspires not only your students but everyone lucky enough to work alongside you,” said Sanborn to Kielty. “You have a special way of turning ordinary moments into meaningful experiences. You consistently create an environment where students feel excited to learn and grow. Your ideas, your energy, your passion brings so much vibrant life into Swampscott Elementary School.”
Next up was Quinn, who Sanborn said has always gone above and beyond when it comes to caring for others.
“It is difficult to put into words what you have meant to our school community,” said Sanborn to Quinn. “Your kindness, compassion, warmth and unwavering support for both students and staff have touched countless lives in ways you may have never realized.”
Last, but not least, Sanborn spoke on behalf of Norton, who served in the district for 36 years.
“Today we are celebrating a true living legend,” Sanborn said. “To put her dedication into perspective, she survived 12 total classroom moves…Through decades of change, she remained a pillar of strength as a longstanding curriculum content leader, a fierce union-building representative and an absolute leader in our new building.”
