This year, Southwestern proudly recognizes a remarkable group of retirees whose combined service to our district totals an extraordinary 251.75 years. As teachers, aides, support staff, supervisors, mentors, advisors, and champions for students, each has made a lasting impact on our school community. Their dedication, compassion, leadership, and commitment to excellence have helped shape the lives of countless students and enriched the experiences of colleagues and families alike. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their years of service and wish them happiness, good health, and many exciting adventures in retirement.

Pam Piazza – 36.5 years

After beginning her career at Southwestern as a substitute lunch monitor in 1986, filling in for Margaret Swanson, Pam Piazza joined the district full-time as a Teacher Aide in October 1989. Over the years, she generously supported students in many roles, including summer school teacher aide, pool supervisor, and substitute sports worker.

Known for her spunky personality, outgoing nature, and kindness, Pam has touched the lives of countless students and colleagues throughout her career. Her dedication, positive spirit, and willingness to help wherever needed have left a lasting impact on the Southwestern community. While we are saddened that health concerns have led to her retirement, we are deeply grateful for nearly four decades of service and wish her all the best in the years ahead.

Beth Stockwell – 32 years

Since joining Southwestern as a Special Education Teacher in 1993, Beth Stockwell has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless students through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping others succeed. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she has served as a class advisor, mentor teacher, Transition Coordinator, and champion for programs that support students both in and out of the classroom.

Beth’s caring nature and fun-loving spirit have made her a trusted colleague and a favorite among students. Through initiatives such as the Coffee Cart program and the 222 Closet, she has created opportunities for students to build skills, confidence, and independence while ensuring they have access to essential resources. Her impact extends far beyond academics, and Southwestern is grateful for the many ways she has supported and uplifted our school community throughout her career. 

Jenny Brown – 30 years

Since joining Southwestern as an Art Teacher in 1996, Jenny Brown has inspired countless students to explore their creativity, develop their artistic talents, and express themselves through the arts. Throughout her career, she has taught a wide range of high school art courses, including Advanced Placement Art, challenging and encouraging students to reach their full potential.

A creative leader both inside and outside the classroom, Jenny has served as Art Department Chair, Art Club Advisor, and Art Director for countless school musical productions. She also played a key role in developing Southwestern’s Individual Arts Assessment Pathway, expanding opportunities for students to showcase their artistic achievements. As an active member of the New York State Art Teachers Association, she has remained committed to excellence in arts education and advocacy. Her passion, creativity, and dedication have left a lasting mark on Southwestern and the many students whose lives she has enriched through the arts.

Vita Damon – 30 years

After beginning her service to Southwestern as a substitute Teacher Aide in 1993, Vita Damon joined the district as a Teacher Aide in 1996. Throughout her career, she has provided dedicated support to students and staff, including many years of service in the summer school program. Vita has also assisted countless staff members through her service in the CSEA union.

Known for her caring nature, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor, Vita has brightened the days of students and colleagues alike. Her dedication to Southwestern was evident when, even after retiring in July 2025, she returned for another year to continue helping wherever she was needed. Her kindness, commitment, and positive spirit have made a lasting impact on our school community, and we are grateful for the many years she devoted to supporting Southwestern students.

Marge Gustafson – 26 years

Since joining Southwestern in 2000 as a Middle School Math Teacher, Marge Gustafson has been a dedicated educator and valued member of the middle school community. Over the years, she has shared her expertise and leadership as a mentor teacher, summer school instructor, Middle School Honor Society advisor, and 7th Grade Grade-Level Chairperson. She has also generously supported countless extracurricular activities by stepping in wherever needed as a substitute sports worker.

Known for her creativity, great sense of humor, and commitment to her students, Marge has made a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom. As she begins this exciting new chapter, she is looking forward to relocating to Arizona to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law, and brand-new grandson. While she will certainly be missed at Southwestern, we wish her many wonderful adventures, memorable travels, and cherished family moments in the years ahead.

Dana Lovecchio – 24.5 years

Dana Lovecchio’s Southwestern journey began in 1998 as a substitute Teacher Aide, followed by a full-time Teacher Aide appointment in the high school in 1999. In 2003, she left the district to pursue her teaching certification in Spanish, returning in 2006 as a Spanish Teacher and continuing her commitment to Southwestern students in a new role.

Over the years, Dana has enriched the school community both inside and outside the classroom as a Spectrum Club advisor, Spanish Club advisor, and Prop Director for numerous school musical productions. An incredibly talented seamstress, she has contributed countless creative touches behind the scenes, helping bring school performances and events to life. Known for her fun and friendly personality, she has built strong connections with students and colleagues alike. Her dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact on Southwestern, and she will be greatly missed.

Sue Waite – 24 years

Since joining Southwestern in 2002 as an Elementary Teacher, Sue Waite has dedicated her career to helping students learn, grow, and succeed. As a fifth-grade teacher, she has guided countless students through an important transition year, helping to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she has taught summer school for many years, served as a mentor to fellow educators, and provided leadership as the Grade-Level Chairperson for 5th Grade.

Known for being both smart and sweet, Sue has earned the respect and admiration of students, families, and colleagues alike. Her kindness, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to education have made a lasting impact on the Southwestern community. We are grateful for her years of service and wish her all the best in her retirement.

Junie Eimiller – 22.75 years

Since joining Southwestern in 1999 as a High School English Teacher, Junie Eimiller has inspired students through her passion for literature, writing, and learning. Throughout her career, she has gone beyond the classroom to support students in a variety of ways, serving as Yearbook Advisor and Newspaper Advisor for the Trojan Times, helping students develop their voices, creativity, and communication skills.

Throughout her career, Junie has demonstrated remarkable strength, grace, and resilience, earning the respect and admiration of students and colleagues alike. Her impact on students and colleagues will be long remembered, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.

Janice Johnson – 16 years

After beginning her Southwestern career as a substitute teacher in 2006, Janice Johnson was appointed as an Elementary Music Teacher in 2008. Since then, she has shared her love of music with countless students, helping them develop their talents, confidence, and appreciation for the arts.

In addition to Janice’s classroom contributions, she has helped create some of Southwestern Elementary’s most cherished traditions. Each year, she organizes the festive holiday sing-along featuring the Reindeer Rockettes and coordinates the staff musical send-off that greets students as they leave on the last day of school. Through her creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication, she has brought joy, laughter, and music to generations of students and staff alike. Her positive impact will continue to be felt long after the final note is played, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.

Cheryl Ellis – 10 years

Since joining Southwestern in 2015 as a Cleaner, Cheryl Ellis has been a dependable and hardworking member of the district team, helping to maintain safe, welcoming, and well-cared-for facilities for students, staff, and visitors. In recognition of her dedication and leadership, she was promoted to Working Supervisor in 2023, a role in which she continued to serve the district with professionalism and pride.

Known for her strong work ethic and friendly demeanor, Cheryl has been a valued colleague and a familiar face throughout the district. Although she officially retired on February 21, 2026, members of the Southwestern community can still see her from time to time as a substitute cleaner. We are grateful for her years of service and continued support, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.