As the year comes to a close, WHS will say goodbye to four retiring faculty and staff members and will reflect on all they have contributed to the community.

   Wendy Howard has been the cafeteria manager at WHS for 14 years, a role that involves deciding what the cafeteria serves, creating allergy labels, managing production records, and overseeing the day-to-day food service at WHS. 

   “I’ve been in food service since 1996, but not always here. This is my third state and I think this has been my favorite place that I’ve worked,” Howard said. “I love what I do.” 

   Throughout her time at WHS, Howard has had to manage some considerable changes. 

   “When the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act came out, it basically was a revamp of the whole school nutrition program,” Howard said. “So there are big limits on sodium, fat, and how much whole grain we have to use. Those restrictions are tough for us as we try to create food that tastes good, but we think we’re doing pretty well.”

   As Howard’s time at WHS comes to an end, she hopes students understand that food service workers care about them.

   “They love what they do and it matters to them that kids like the food,” Howard said.

   In the end Howard’s hard work has paid off as WHS students see and appreciate the cafeteria staff and their work. 

   “They are always very kind and have smiles on their faces,” freshman Logann Bates said. “I think altogether they run the kitchen very well.”

   Cortland Mathers has worked at WHS for 27 years and is currently a French teacher, but has also been the technology director and the world language department director, a class advisor, and a coach. 

   “I’ve worn a lot of hats over the course of my career,” Mathers said. “I’m proud of that because I really feel like it’s important to try to reach kids in different environments.”

   Mathers has been able to leave behind a positive influence on students. 

   “His ability to bond with the students and make sure that everybody is learning to their full potential really makes him stand out as a teacher to me,” sophomore Curtis Keene said. 

   While Mathers will be officially retired, he will continue to influence students at WHS as he is returning next year to teach a single class. 

  “I think I’ll really enjoy it,” Mathers said. “That’s because it takes the pressures and workload of the day and divides it by four.” 

   Teachers like Mathers who have been with Weston for a multitude of years have left a legacy behind through projects that will last for generations to come. 

   “I’m also proud of the fact that I brought the Haunted House to WHS in 2002,” Mathers said. “And in the same year, with another teacher, we started the Special Olympics basketball tournament.” 

   Alida Hanson has been the WHS librarian for 12 years and has also worked as the digital literacy teacher throughout that time. 

   “I’m really going to miss everyone; that’s going to be the biggest loss for me,” Hanson said. “It’s been a very friendly and open place for me. That has been my goal in the library: to make it a place where a lot of people feel comfortable. I’m so proud of that and so happy that it happened.” 

    Hanson has also enjoyed helping educators plan major assignments that involve extensive research.

   “I’ve worked with a lot of teachers on guided inquiry design, which is a research framework, helping them plan their research projects,” Hanson said.    

   Hanson has also worked hard to cater the library to student interest and has dedicated a lot of time to selecting books that students want to read. 

   “We noticed that people are really interested in reading all kinds of different romances, so we made a new romance section,” Hanson said. “Students change all the time, so I have to work really hard to keep up with what interests the new crop of people.”

 Karen Bernardo’s passion for teaching began when she was in high school.

   “I am a people person and love being around people. I began teaching as a swim instructor and loved it,” Bernardo said.

  As she wraps up her years at WHS, Bernardo hopes to leave a legacy based on the optimism she tries to live by.

   “Attitude is everything. A positive attitude has gone a long way with my students and my colleagues,” Bernardo said. “A sense of humor also goes a long way.” 

   Her work at WHS has had a great influence on students.

   “She was probably the only teacher who could help me with physics,” freshman Taliah Mayhew said.

   As much as students appreciate her help, she appreciates what she’s gained from working with them.

   “The part I love best about teaching is seeing students succeed and seeing the students grow as individuals,” Bernardo said. “I will miss seeing our freshmen develop into young adults.”

   Each of these retirees will leave behind a lasting impression on WHS students and faculty through their projects and relationship with students.

   “It is impossible to put into words the impact these retirees have had on WHS, its students, their colleagues, and the community,” said principal Paul Peri. “Let’s just say thank you and that we wish them nothing but joy and happiness as they step into this next chapter of their lives. Your retirement marks the end of an era, but your legacy will continue to inspire and impact us for years to come.”