On May 30, the district recognized our distinguished educators and retirees. Below are the speeches by Principal Vance for our retirees.
Jill Shaw
I want to celebrate a truly remarkable educator whose passion and dedication have shaped young hearts and minds for three decades. From the very first day in her kindergarten classroom to her one adventurous year as a multi-age teacher, she has nurtured, inspired, and guided countless students with love, kindness and patience. Her involvement beyond the classroom—as vice president of the PTO, a supporter of the Foster Grandparent Program, and a leader in the Junior and Regular Student Actors Programs—has shown her deep commitment to building a strong, supportive school community. Whether championing safety as part of the Safety Team or spreading joy through the Smile Squad, she has left an indelible mark on Beaver Meadow School.
Though she is retiring from teaching here, her work is far from over. She will continue sharing her love for education at The Place Theatre, teaching dance and acting to young children, and bringing movement and creativity to Flipz Gym. Her next chapter will be filled with the same energy and heart she has always brought to her students. As we honor her tonight, we thank her for the years of dedication, the endless encouragement, and the countless lives she has touched. Congratulations, and may your future be filled with joy, laughter, and new adventures!
Dr. Barbara O’Brien-Lane
Tonight, we celebrate the incredible career of a teacher who has shaped the lives of generations at Beaver Meadow School. For 45 years, she has guided students from their very fi rst steps into kindergarten through the formative years of elementary education, always with patience, kindness, and a commitment to their growth. Her involvement in governance, leadership, and mentoring has left a lasting impact on both her colleagues and the students she nurtured. From classroom lessons to inspiring young minds in the Junior Student Actors Program, she has shown what it means to be an educator—not just teaching subjects, but instilling confidence, creativity, and a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
As she embarks on her well-earned retirement, her journey is far from over. With time now for reading, play, and creation, she steps into a new chapter—one where she will decide what comes next. If her past is any indication, this next adventure will be just as inspiring as the years spent shaping young minds. Tonight, we express our deepest gratitude, knowing that her impact will never fade. Congratulations, and may the days ahead be filled with joy, discovery, and well-deserved rest!
Dianne Smaha
Tonight we honor and celebrate a remarkable teacher whose dedication has shaped the hearts and minds of our youngest learners for the past 18 years. Whether in kindergarten or fi rst grade, she brought warmth, patience, and a deep love of learning into every classroom she entered. Her passion for math led her to serve as a math coach, sharing her expertise with colleagues and helping students build strong foundations. Beyond the classroom, she has been a pillar of our school community—serving as PTO president, leading the Sunshine Fund, contributing to the playground committee, and lending her voice to countless teams and initiatives including the Universal Team, Leadership Team, Safety Team, Math Committee, and both the Student Actors and Jr. Student Actors programs. Her fingerprints are on every corner of our school, and her legacy will be felt for years to come.
To new teachers, she offers this heartfelt advice: start each day with a smile, because no two days are ever the same. Embrace the challenges, reflect and grow from them, and always remember that your students have just as much to teach you as you have to teach them. As she steps into retirement, she looks forward to new adventures and cherished time with loved ones. While we will miss her deeply, we know her journey is far from over—it's simply entering a beautiful new chapter. Thank you for everything. You’ve made a difference that words can hardly capture.