On Saturday, June 3rd, parents, faculty, past parents, and alums gathered on the back lawn to celebrate ten invaluable faculty members who have been a part of the East Woods family for many years. Their multifaceted contributions to the school community exemplify their unwavering commitment to education and extracurricular activities. Michele Burke, John Connolly, Wayne Huneke, Susan O'Connor, Pam Schuster, Susan Stevenson, Martine Tawaji, Anne Thompson, Marie Ucci, and Eileen Valenza together have been a part of East Woods for a combined 266 years.

Michele Burke, a devoted Pre-Kindergarten teacher and esteemed faculty member for an impressive 28 years, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of students and colleagues alike. She has shared her expertise and passion across various grade levels throughout her tenure. Her invaluable contributions to the Early Childhood Center have garnered her immense love and admiration. Michele's nurturing and engaging teaching style has created a warm and welcoming environment for her young learners, setting the foundation for their educational journey. Her dedication to early childhood education and her ability to connect with her students sincerely have made her a beloved figure within the school community. 

John Connolly, a dedicated Accounting Manager for an impressive 36 years, brightened the days of students and faculty alike with his infectious smile and warm greetings. He welcomes everyone with genuine enthusiasm daily, creating a positive atmosphere within the school community. John's contagious smile and friendly remarks fostered a sense of camaraderie and made everyone feel valued and appreciated. 

Wayne Huneke, the Upper School History teacher, dedicated an impressive 26 years to instilling his love of history in his students. Beyond his role as an educator, he also served as a coach and leader, actively promoting his passion for sports and culture throughout numerous seasons. Wayne diligently led the Theater Club and Culture Club, allowing students to explore their interests and express their talents in these diverse fields. His multifaceted contributions to the school community exemplify his commitment to education and extracurricular engagement.

Susan O'Connor devoted 25 years to East Woods, teaching across various grade levels, including First Grade, Kindergarten, and Nursery. Regardless of the grade she taught, Susan consistently nurtured her students, creating an environment where they could freely explore, discover, and grow. Her guidance empowered students to reach their full potential, cultivating a love for learning and a sense of curiosity. The positive influence Susan has on her students extends far beyond the classroom.

Pam Schuster, a beloved Nursery teacher with an impressive 33 years of dedication, has been a guiding light for countless students, fostering an environment where they can freely explore, learn, and grow. Pam's nurturing nature and commitment to each child's growth made her invaluable in their early educational journey. Through tireless efforts, she created a nurturing and stimulating classroom environment that encouraged curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. 

Susan Stevenson, a highly esteemed member of the East Woods community for an impressive 28 years, made invaluable contributions as an educator. Like Michele, she demonstrated her exceptional expertise and unwavering passion across multiple grade levels, including Fourth Grade, Kindergarten, Nursery, and Pre-Kindergarten. At one point, she even was a co-librarian with Mrs. Lorbert. Susan's teaching style was marked by her unique ability to infuse creativity into her lessons, making the learning experience enjoyable and engaging for her students. By fostering a vibrant and imaginative classroom environment, she instilled a love for learning that transcended traditional boundaries. 

Martine Tawaji, a dedicated French teacher for an impressive 22 years, fostered a deep appreciation for the francophone language and French culture among her students. With her French roots as a strong foundation, she skillfully immersed her students in the rich tapestry of the French language and its cultural nuances. Martine's teaching style was characterized by engaging in hands-on activities that brought the language to life, allowing her students to participate in their learning journey actively. She organized enriching cultural trips that deepened their understanding and appreciation of French customs, traditions, and history. Through her unwavering passion and expertise, Martine left an indelible mark on the students she taught, fostering a lifelong love for the French language and culture.

Anne Thompson '70 began her teaching career immediately after college in 1977, starting in the Second Grade at East Woods. While she paused teaching to be a stay-at-home mother for a few years, she rejoined the school community again in 1999, briefly teaching Third Grade, Fourth Grade, and Kindergarten. Then, she found her calling in the Pre-Nursery, where she has remained dedicated ever since. Anne's unwavering commitment and continuous presence have made her an invaluable member of the East Woods community for an impressive 33 years. 

Marie Ucci, a cherished art teacher, generously shared her exceptional skills with children of all grades for 24 years. She nurtured a diverse range of artistic talents through her guidance and expertise. From the intricacies of mask making to the complexities of drawing, from the art of clay throwing to the craftsmanship of building sets for the Upper School plays, Marie consistently pushed her students to explore their creative potential and surpass their expectations. 

Eileen Valenza, a compassionate school nurse for 11 years, brought a sense of calmness to those who sought her care in the Nurse's Office. With her calm demeanor, Eileen provided a comforting presence for students and staff, ensuring that each visitor felt at ease when they visited the Nurse's office. Her ability to create a nurturing environment and her remarkable skills in patient care made her an invaluable asset to the school community. 

East Woods extends its heartfelt well wishes to these individuals as they embark on their unique journeys to explore and pursue their passions. The school community recognizes and celebrates their contributions during their time at East Woods and eagerly awaits the exciting chapters ahead for each of them. With gratitude for their dedication and commitment, East Woods sends its warmest wishes for success, fulfillment, and joy as they follow their paths and continue to make a positive impact in their chosen endeavors.