Seven educators received tenure at the Croton-Harmon school board’s May 19 recognition ceremony, an evening that paired formal personnel votes with tributes to the relationships teachers build with students over years. Superintendent Stephen Walker opened with memories of his own teachers: one who gave him confidence, another who pushed him academically and a band teacher who comforted him after a mistake in a concert. He connected those memories to the educators being honored. “And it occurs to me tonight that for countless students in our district, the teachers we honor tonight will be those teachers. The subject of conversations around dinner tables for years to come, the ones that our Tiger students remember,” Walker said. Read 2:25▶ The board granted tenure to Lanie Oles in elementary education; Tammiann Trudel in special education; Jaida Elder as a school psychologist; Christopher Santiago in music; Edwin Demper in English; Andrew Vogl in mathematics; and Amy Yannarelli-Shaw in English as a second language. The first six appointments were approved effective August 30; Yannarelli-Shaw’s effective date was October 2. Each tenure motion passed with five affirmative votes. Allison Samuels abstained, and Omar Mayyasi was absent. The evening also recognized Marissa Burke, whose special-education tenure had been approved previously. At Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School, Principal Kerri Bianchi traced Burke’s path from student teacher to teacher aide to faculty member. Her tribute emphasized Burke’s work with colleagues as well as students. “Marissa has made connections with her colleagues. She has become involved in every aspect of CET and is a collaborator and is passionate passionate about teaching students and really a ray of sunshine,” Bianchi said. Read 9:02▶ For Oles, Bianchi described a homecoming: a Croton-Harmon graduate who had hoped to teach at CET and developed her confidence and voice within the school. Bianchi also praised Trudel’s energy, high expectations and involvement with the Leaders of Tomorrow program. At Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School, Nichole Kelly spoke about Elder’s care for students and families and Santiago’s ability to make music education a place for connection and leadership. “What often sets him apart is the relationships he creates with students. They feel seen, valued, and inspired,” Kelly said of Santiago. Read 20:52▶ Her tribute also described his work advising Model UN and student council. The high school tributes linked classroom teaching with new courses and activities. Laura Dubak described Demper’s work in interdisciplinary classes and student journalism, and Vogl’s work in mathematics, interdisciplinary teaching and a planned AP business with personal finance course. In honoring Yannarelli-Shaw, Dubak emphasized the connection between learning and belonging: “She knows that for many of her students, school is also about finding confidence, belonging, safety, and voice. Amy helps give them all of those things.” Read 30:47▶ The ceremony also honored employees for 20 years of service, retirement and National Board Certification. During the retirement recognitions, Kelly thanked PVC library media specialist Linda Fuerst for making the library a welcoming place for students and staff. “Her ability to create meaningful connections with students helps make the library not just a space in the school, but truly the heart of PVC,” Kelly said. Read 48:12▶ Alongside the recognitions, the board appointed Nicole Macaluso as a full-time science teacher at Croton-Harmon High School at a salary of $76,868, with a four-year probationary term beginning August 26. The consent agenda also covered substitute teachers, non-instructional staffing, data privacy agreements, legal services and disposal of textbooks and a desk. The board approved the May 7 meeting minutes before adjourning at 8:55 p.m.