Lyndonville school district honors retirees and tenured teachers

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville school, district recently honored retiring staff and teachers and an administrator awarded tenure. Pictured from left include Superintendent Dr. Heather Lyon; Aimee Chaffee, tenure for role as district’s director of special education, data and grants; Emily Aydelotte, tenure as second grade teacher; Caroline “Carrie” Samson, tenure as elementary teacher; Tammy Mallon, retiree as special education teacher; Kelly Follman, retiree as music teacher; Brenna LaSpada, tenure as third grade teacher; Patrick Whipple, Board of Education president. Missing from photo: Denise Keavney, retiree as cleaner. Jerod Thurber also was recognized for six years of service on the Board of Education. His term ends June 30.

The retirees said they were thankful for the family atmosphere at Lyndonville.

Denise Keavney was praised for bringing “kindness and warmth” to her job at the school. She started as a lunch lady, and became a cleaner.

Tammy Mallon worked 31 years at Lyndonville as a special education teacher.

“She has had a profound impact on the school district,” said Aimee Chafee, the district’s director of special education, data and grants. “For three decades she has been championing students with disabilities.”

Chaffee praised Mallon for being a mentor to other teachers in the special education department.

Kelly Follman was commended for bringing passion to her job as a music teacher, and inspiring many of her students to pursue careers in the arts. Follman said 82 students will be in the marching band for the Fourth of July parade.

“I’m so proud of our music department,” Follman said. “I’m ready to pass the torch to a young person who can take it to the next level.”

Aimee Chafee was awarded tenure for role as district’s director of special education, data and grants. Dr. Heather Lyon, the district’s superintendent, said Chaffee has demonstrated “an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for students.”

She fosters a culture of shared responsibility and commitment, Lyon said.

“What stands out is Aimee’s integrity,” Lyon said.

Chaffee will be taking a leave of absence next school year before returning in 2027-28.

Emily Aydelotte was awarded tenure in the elementary school. She thanked elementary school principal, Dr. Elissa Smith, “for always believing in me.”

Caroline “Carrie” Samson was praised for being awarded tenure in the elementary school teacher and for setting a remarkable example for students and staff. Samson started working in the school cafeteria in 2013 and then became a teacher aide and a classroom teacher. She did that while taking college classes and earning her master’s degree in education.

“She is such a role model,” said Smith, the elementary principal. “She has chased her dreams as an adult.”

Brenna LaSpada also was awarded tenure as an elementary school teacher. Her students have excelled in third grade. Smith said Lyndonville’s third graders have some of the highest academic achievers in the region and LaSpada is a big part of the third grade team.

LaSpada joined Lyndonville after started her career in the tourism and hospitality industry.

“Every day I get to wake up and come to work with the best colleagues and the best students,” LaSpada said. “I’m happy to be a Tiger.”