By LEETAL PREZELMAYER and ALEXA ALBICOCCO
As the 2018-2019 school year ends, the Jericho community prepares for the departure of 5 faculty members who will be dearly missed: Dr. Margarita, Ms. Millmann, Ms. Bodner, Mr. Romano, and Mr. Benjamin.
After 18 years, Jericho’s World Language Curriculum Associate Dr. Margarita bids adieu to the Jericho School District.
When asked to describe World Language Curriculum Associate Dr. Margarita in three words, Spanish teacher Ms. Pryhocki said Dr. Margarita is, “an expert, an advocate, and a worldly individual.” Dr. Margarita said she would like to be remembered “as a leader who was supportive of her teachers and all of the students in the World Language program.” While working at Jericho, Dr. Margarita developed an incredibly strong world language program and is most proud that many students stay enrolled in this program through 12th grade. While in retirement Dr. Margarita plans to continue her involvement in professional organizations and to teach at the college level. Lastly, she is eager to travel to Iceland and Southern Italy.
When asked to describe Ms. Millmann, junior Jamie S. said Ms. Millmann is “one of a kind, helpful, and very understanding.” Ms. Millmann would like to be remembered for her interesting and unusual lessons and the way she has connected the school through the arts. Ms. Millmann is very grateful for the opportunity to teach at Jericho High School, and she has developed strong bonds with her students. She is very proud of her initiative to use student art to beautify the hallways. In the first month of her retirement Ms. Millmann plans to “go into her art studio and not come out.” She is excited to travel to Japan, China, and Egypt.
After working here for 17 years, guidance counselor Ms. Bodner says goodbye to Jericho High School.
When asked to describe Ms. Bodner in three words, junior Olivia L. said she is “honest, dedicated, and supportive.” Ms. Bodner would like to be remembered as “someone who loved her job, cared about the kids, cared about the faculty, and just wanted to help everyone as much as possible.” The Jericho School District provided Ms. Bodner the opportunity to work with students of many different abilities and take many professional development courses. Some of Ms. Bodner’s proudest accomplishments include “being named outstanding educator from the University of Chicago, receiving an award from the Harvard Club, and another from the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation.” While Ms. Bodner is sad to leave Jericho, she is looking forward to sleeping a little later, driving a little less, and playing with her grandchildren a little more.
After 17 years, English teacher Mr. Romano says farewell to Jericho High School.
When asked to describe Mr. Romano, junior Tatum W. said he is “caring, thoughtful, and helpful.” Mr. Romano would like to be remembered as a teacher who cared about his students. He enjoyed working with the students because they kept him “young thinking.” Mr. Romano hopes he has touched the lives of his students. “I tried to reach my students with kindness and humor, and I hope that I succeeded,” he said. In fact, he believes the high standards at Jericho High School made him a better teacher. “I’ve worked with some of the most intelligent and best teachers I’ve ever met in my career,” said Mr. Romano. During retirement Mr. Romano plans to fish, spend time with his wife and family, and enjoy life.
After 34 years, Jericho High School’s beloved social worker departs for retirement.
When asked to describe Mr. Benjamin, junior Nicole G. said he is “dedicated, respectful, and passionate about his job.” Mr. Benjamin would like to be remembered “as someone with a big heart, who cared about the kids and always tried to be available to them.” Throughout his career, Mr. Benjamin was grateful to have had the opportunity to attend professional development courses and learn more about his profession. One accomplishment Mr. Benjamin is most proud of is the creation of Café 126, a place where students have the chance to wind down and hang out with their friends. While in retirement, Mr. Benjamin plans to continue his private counseling practice and work with other schools as a consultant.
Jericho High School thanks Dr. Margarita, Ms. Millmann, Ms. Bodner, Mr. Romano, and Mr. Benjamin for their hard work and dedication to the Jericho School District.