WESTBROOK – Current and former staff members of Westbrook High School paid tribute to retiring and departing high school staff members at a potluck party and light-hearted ceremony at The Elms.
The June 15 event marked the return of an annual tradition of honoring outgoing high school employees, started by former high school math teacher Wally Hayes, according to Michelle Fournier, who teaches French and Spanish at the high school and organized this year’s event.
The tradition has lapsed in recent years after Hayes himself retired, but, Fournier said, the large number of departures this year, fueled in part by the district’s budget cuts, helped serve as inspiration to start up again.
“I couldn’t let all these people, these wonderful people, leave without some kind of tribute,” she said.
Fellow organizer Larry Dyhrberg said the event reinforces the bonds between high school employees.
“It’s all about community in Westbrook. It’s a great thing,” he said.
More than 70 current, former and departing high school staffers attended, sharing laughs, stories and support. Marianne Smith, who chairs the school’s guidance department, has been with the school 14 years, and said she came to honor her departing colleagues.
“It’s good to celebrate the retirees,” she said.
Amy Troiano said she just finished her first year teaching science, and came to support Jim Townsend, the outgoing science department chairman. Troiano said Townsend helped orient her to the new school.
“Jim has been hugely supportive,” she said. “I’m going to miss him a lot.”
Townsend, 58, worked at the high school for 13 years, then took a position at Bonny Eagle High School for four years, then returned to Westbrook seven years ago.
“I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do over the years,” he said.
Townsend said retiring this year was part of a plan he’s had for some time, not a knee-jerk response to the budget crisis that broke this spring.
“My mind was made up last year,” he said.
Ryan Hutchins, 33, is also leaving on his own terms. He has taught Spanish and coached sports at the school for the past seven years, and is moving on to work at his family’s funeral home business, Independent Death Care of Maine.
“It’s exciting to have a change,” he said.
Hutchins said he will definitely miss his students, but he is glad to be leaving because he wants to, not because he feels he has to.
“I’m not leaving because I don’t like it,” he said.
Richard Doughty and his wife, Vicki, are both former school employees. Richard Doughty retired as head of the science department in 1991. His wife, a former secretary at the school, retired in 1997.
Doughty said part of what brought him to last Wednesday’s event was a repayment of honor done to him when he left.
“They were here when we retired,” he said of the current batch of departing staffers. “That’s why we’re here tonight.”
Vicki Doughty said she would keep coming back if the tradition returned.
“We used to go every year, as long as there’s someone (leaving) that we worked with,” she said.
Dennis Walsh taught physical education at the school for 35 years before he retired in 2005. Last week’s event, he said, brought back memories of old friends.
“Tonight, I’ve seen so many people I haven’t seen in years,” he said.
David Ennis, a special education teacher at the school, coordinated a series of “roast”-style presentations to give the retirees a proper sendoff. During his remarks, Ennis thanked the departing staff members for their service and dedication. Ennis also thanked the other attendees for lending support.
“It’s really fabulous to see all of you. It really speaks to the community of Westbrook,” he said.
Westbrook High School Foreign language teacher Michelle
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