7 school staffers to begin next chapter

PORT CLINTON — Officials representing Port Clinton Schools recognized this year's list of retirees at a recent board of education meeting. Seven district staff members walked the halls of their buildings for the last time on May 22. "All of our retirees are special," superintendent Pat Adkins said. "All have served our students and community for numerous years, often putting the needs of their students ahead of their own personal or family needs." Adkins sent each retiree off with parting words at the board meeting. The retirees are: • Kathy Davis, high school aide, 11 years at the district Davis quickly became a favorite amongst students and a respected colleague, according to Adkins. During her time at the district, she would jump into extra duties like working with the summer crew. "Kathy went above and beyond in supporting individual students. She reinforced instruction one-on-one and in small groups and used her positive attitude to support students and help them stay engaged," Adkins said. "Her calm, patient approach made students feel safe and confident, and she built trusting relationships with families and teachers." • Rick Dominick, high school athletics director and guidance counselor, 30 years at the district Before his current role, Dominick was the high school business teacher at the launch of his career. As a guidance counselor, he was "instrumental" in helping students reach goals and spearheaded HOBY — the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Academy — Award nominations, according to Adkins. Throughout his career in the district's athletics, Dominick demonstrated his dedication to students through coaching and leadership. He has organized many ceremonies to recognize student athletics and academics. He also served as a class adviser and oversaw Key Club. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude for Rick's years of service and commitment to the Port Clinton City School District," Adkins said. "We wish him all the best in his retirement." • Ron Aukerman, middle school teacher, 30 years at the district At the start of his career, Aukerman was a long-term substitute teacher. Through the years, he has impacted generations of students in the classroom and through his involvement in extracurricular activities. Aukerman wore many hats during his time at the district, including acting as a math teacher, then transitioning to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program and middle school robotics team coach. In athletics, Aukerman was involved in middle school football, middle school track, middle school girls' basketball and high school girls' golf. He was an assistant junior varsity and varsity baseball coach,assistant girls' basketball coach and youth sports director. Other than teaching and athletics, Aukerman's leadership stretched into his roles as department chair for industrial technology and math for grades 6-12, middle school fleet leader, mentor teacher and as a member of the K-12 math course of study committee. To further support the district and its students, Aukerman serves as a detention supervisor, morning supervisor and middle school student council advisor outside of school hours. "Throughout his career as an educator, Ron has filled countless roles, leaving a lasting impact on our school district and students," Adkins said. "He will be greatly missed, and yet we are extremely grateful for his dedicated service to Port Clinton Schools. We wish him all the best in his retirement." • Diane Dunn, middle school teacher, 24 years at the district During her time at the district, Dunn was active in many roles, like fleet leader, science grades 6-12 chair, study tables supervisor, math tutor, mentor teacher and was part of the course of study and data analysis teams. She also served as a summer school and detention supervisor. Not only did Dunn encourage students inside the classroom, but she also pushed them outside of the classroom through extracurricular activities like robotics team co-coach, as well as adviser to Builders Club and the yearbook. "From the start, she was an engaged and dedicated teacher — a commitment that never wavered," Adkins said. • Laura Ciacelli, library technician, 25 years at the district Other than helping students discover books and learning activities, Ciacelli has supported the district through several roles. She has been a server and cashier in food services, a van driver, a teacher's aide in kindergarten, a general aide and an IEP aide. "Her commitment and versatility have touched almost every school building, both old and new: Bataan, Catawba, Portage and Port Clinton Middle School," Adkins said. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Laura for her dedicated service and wish her a wonderful retirement." • Teresa Fillmore, teacher at the elementary school, 16 years at the district Before teaching, Fillmore was a summer and after-school resource intervention specialist, a long-term substitute at the district and was part of its strategic planning team. Fillmore's service as the kindergarten department chair and role in organizing the annual Kindergarten Kick-Off were evidence of her dedication to education. Other than these responsibilities, she also participated in programs like Summer Success, Summer Seedlings, Dial S for Success and served as a special needs intervention instructor. "Upon Teresa's retirement, we reflect on her personal statement made at the time of her hiring, a goal she has consistently achieved," Adkins said. "'I value education. I set high standards for my students. At the same time, I am flexible enough to adjust goals, materials and methods to fit individual needs.' We thank Teresa Fillmore for her service to Port Clinton Schools and wish her the best in retirement." • Kim Halcomb, administrative assistant, 11 years at the district In her role at the district, Halcomb was responsible for welcoming students, parents, staff and visitors every day. "Each day she manages daily office operations, supporting teachers and families," Adkins said. "We are appreciative of her service and wish her a well-deserved and happy retirement."