The Shoreham-Wading River School District Board of Education meeting on Sept. 14 was bittersweet, as the district honored several retirees who spent many years educating students in the district.

Shoreham-Wading River High School Principal Frank Pugliese spoke of science teacher Dr. Christine Rubenstein for her more than 20 years of dedication and the positive influence she has had on the lives and future of her students. The guidance department’s MaryJean Carlson was lauded for her 31 years of service to students and their families. Mr. Pugliese estimated that more than 5,000 people in the local community have benefited from her extraordinary guidance.

Albert G. Prodell Middle School Principal Kevin Vann had kind words for teaching assistant Patti Lembo for her 23 years, home and careers teacher Regina Ristau for her 20 years and special education teacher Glenn Kobrin for his more than three decades of service to Shoreham-Wading River students.

Wading River School Principal Lou Parrinello spoke of teacher Frank Uchman, who started in the district in 2000 and, in addition to Wading River School, spent time in Miller Avenue and Briarcliff. Miller Avenue School Principal Claudia Smith then shared a history of Joan Jacobs, kindergarten teacher for more than two decades at both Briarcliff and Miller Avenue.

The district wishes each of these retirees the best in their future endeavors and thanks them for their numerous contributions to the school community.