By LARRY DING and MARIAM KHAN
The Jericho community will say goodbye to 7 retiring faculty members who will be missed immensely by students and staff.
Ms. Lisa-Brown
Ms. Lisa-Brown has been a guidance counselor here for 20 years. She loved getting to know all the students and their families during her career. “My favorite part is watching every one of my students find what their talent is and helping kids really appreciate who they are,” she said.
Senior Felicia W. appreciates Ms. Lisa-Brown’s approach with her students. “She always supported me in my decisions, and had my best interests in mind,” she said.
After retiring, Ms. Lisa-Brown plans to spend time with her granddaughter as well as do college advising for students with financial needs. She said, “I want to help make sure they get all the opportunities they need in high school and not be forgotten.”
Ms. Lisa-Brown was a volunteer in her high school guidance office and the experience encouraged her to pursue this career.
As she prepares for her retirement, Ms. Lisa-Brown suggests that students always look for a mentor for themselves. “You’ll find them in places you would not expect,” she added.
Mrs. Hempel
A.P Biology teacher Mrs. Hempel retires after working at Jericho for 18 years. She said she will miss all the personal friends she has made while teaching here, but knows they will remain “very important in my life.”
When asked to describe her time working with Mrs. Hempel, fellow science teacher Ms. Ciasulli stressed how having someone like her as a colleague has been no less than a gift. “She is a tireless professional, a helpful co-worker, and a good friend. She will be missed, but never forgotten,” she said.
Mrs. Hempel described teaching as receiving a box of chocolates. “You never know what you’re gonna get. Every year is a challenge and every class has been different,” she said.
Mrs. Hempel’s retirement plans include connecting with friends around the country. “I plan to take it day by day and do a lot of traveling and visiting. That’s my goal at first,” she said.
Mrs. Hempel encourages students to choose a path that’s best for them. She said, “Keep an open mind, and be true to yourself.”
Ms. Arnesen
Special Education and reading teacher Ms. Arnesen leaves Jericho after working here for 24 years. Apart from the classroom, Ms. Arnesen has also directed and assisted in school plays and musicals. Actor and senior Vansh N. said, “She was always willing to help, and her advice helped me improve my acting.”
Ms. Arnesen says that she will miss the family feeling she had while working in Jericho. “I’ve been very lucky to have all the connections with the staff members and a lot of the students I’ve grown very close to,” she said.
One of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher for Ms. Arnesen is knowing the impact she has made on her students’ lives.
As for her retirement plans, Ms. Arnesen will travel and spend time with her loved ones. She said, “I have a house in Vermont, and I have a condo in Florida, so I’ll be going back and forth to those, spending time with friends, and enjoying those days I have with my children.”
Her advice for students is to find someone you can trust and communicate with at school.
Mr. Baum
After working for 33 years in Jericho, Mr. Baum will also be retiring. He is the Coordinator for Special Education for those from preschool to 21 years of age. He originally started as a 3rd grade teacher for Cantiague Elementary school and then moved on after 7 years to become a reading specialist for 15 years. He then became the High School Special Education Coordinator for 11 years. His career brought him new experiences on a daily basis. “Working in special education, you never know what will be. Each day brings a new situation or a student that needs assistance,” he said.
Mr. Baum’s retirement plans consist of continuing to help others. He said, “I will relax, take care of myself, and work part-time helping students with disabilities to find their passions and assist them with transitioning from high school to college.”
His advice goes out to those worrying about colleges. “It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get into the school of your choice. Where you go is not who you’ll be,” he said.
Ms. Berkovsky
This year marks Spanish teacher Ms. Berkovsky’s 19th year at Jericho. She taught 6th grade Italian for her first year then moved on to teaching advanced Spanish courses for juniors and seniors. Her favorite part of teaching was those who surrounded her. She said, “I love being with my students, and seeing their growth. The rapport I have with my students is the best part of my job.”
Her students also feel the same way about being with her. Senior Rohan R. said, “Her expertise along with her ability to make each class very engaging made me appreciate learning a foreign language like Spanish much more. I was able to grasp content that I had struggled with in previous years thanks to fun activities that she would prepare for our class.”
After retiring, Ms. Berkovsky plans on taking on a teaching job on the college level.
Her advice to students relates to success. She said, “Success can be defined in so many different ways. For me, it’s excitement and being positive.”
Mr. Roselli
Mr. Roselli will be retiring after working in the Jericho music department for 14 years, following 20 years of service in Glen Cove. Not only does he teach music theory classes, but he also is the director of the school jazz band. Mr. Roselli served as a band teacher and a support teacher for the band classes.
For him, the most important part of teaching is the student-teacher relationship. “It’s about experiences, and you form a bond through these experiences,” he said.
Senior Steven G. is one student who has been positively influenced by Mr. Roselli. He said, “Mr. Roselli is the only reason I’m going to the college I’m in. He told me to never live with regrets. When I’m older, I’d rather look back and think ‘At least I did that’ rather than ‘I wish I did that.'”
Mr. Roselli’s retirement plans revolve around his love for music. “I want to relax a bit, regroup, and then get back to what’s important like playing my saxophone. Eventually, I’d like to do some teaching privately or part-time,” he said.
Mr. Roselli has a few words of wisdom about what is important in life. He believes in the importance of “telling the difference between right and wrong, being able to make up your mind, and being able to speak up for yourself.” Mr. Roselli wants the best for his students. “Always try to find what makes you happy,” he said.
Mr. Whelan
Social Studies teacher Mr. Whelan retires after 31 years of working at Jericho. Among the many courses he taught over the years are: 8th-grade social studies, 10th and 11th grade Regents classes, AP European History, AP World History, Regents Government, AP Government, Economics, and AP Art History. He was a co-advisor for the Jericho Model Congress club and coached softball, golf and soccer.
Senior Alp T. said, “He helped me tremendously during Model Congress, helping me review and develop my bill. Moreover, he was always open to discussing history and politics.”
After retiring, Mr. Whelan plans on doing jobs around the house, reading more, and traveling more. He also plans to continue coaching soccer and golf. He wishes the best for the district, teachers, and students. “It has been a wonderful career and more than I could have hoped for. I have always viewed education as the great equalizer,” he said.
Mr. Whelan’s parting words are for students to see learning as their life’s endeavor. “It’s no secret that education is the key for us as individuals and as a society, so take advantage of your opportunity here at Jericho. Remember that education doesn’t end, it’s a lifelong pursuit,” he said.
The JerEcho wishes this year’s retirees a wonderful next chapter of their lives.