The Quakertown Community School District is honored to celebrate 10 retirees this school year, Kathleen Drobins and Melissa Bratina of Quakertown Community High School, Chris Goerlitz of Strayer Middle School, Lisa Mirarchi of Pfaff Elementary, Kelly Shaak and Rachel Demchick of Neidig Elementary, Colleen Deiley and Debra Graver of Trumbauersville, and Bridget Beynon-Mortimer and Carrie Hayes of the Sixth Grade Center.
Collectively, these extraordinary educators have served the Quakertown Community School District and its students for 216 years! It is with gratitude and joy that we wish all our retirees a beautiful next chapter. We cannot thank you enough for your dedication, and although you are retiring, your legacy and impact will be felt for years to come.
We had a chance to invite our school leaders to share their thoughts and appreciation:
From Ms. Kelly Lannutti, in honor of Kathleen Drobins: Kathleen is an irreplaceable member of our school community. We thank you for your service to QCSD, first at Strayer, then at QCHS. Your impact isn't just measured in the tasks you finished but in the smiles of the students you helped. They say that schools run on bells and schedules, but we all know they actually run on the dedication of people like you. We will miss your steadfastness and patience more than words can say. Wishing you nothing but the best in your next chapter of retirement!
From Dr. Jason D. Magditch, in honor of Melissa Bratina: As Melissa nears her final days as a Health & Physical Education teacher, we thank her for her dedication to supporting students’ health and well-being. She approached sensitive topics with care and, at times, provided the tough love needed to help students build resilience and confidence. We are grateful for her years of service and wish her a happy, healthy retirement. Health Wishes, Dr. Magditch
From Dr. Jennifer Bubser, in honor of Chris Goerlitz: Chris served the QCSD for 27 years as a social studies teacher at both the Quakertown Community High School and Strayer Middle School, leaving a lasting impact on countless colleagues and students. Beyond the classroom, Chris generously gave his spare time to coaching wrestling, helping our student athletes build confidence, perseverance and learn the value of teamwork. His passion for social students and dedication to professional growth were an inspiration to those around him. Chris's contributions to the QCSD community have helped to shape generations of Panthers, and he will be greatly missed.
From Dr. Eric Thompson, in honor of Lisa Mirarchi: Lisa was an important member of the Pfaff community, and district, for many years and across two different tenures. We have missed the care, support, and strength that she brought to her role each day, and we wish her all the best in her retirement. Thank you, Lisa for being Pfaff Proud!
From Mr. Scott Godshalk, in honor of Kelly Shaak: As Neidig’s English Language Development teacher, Kelly’s care, compassion, and willingness to help her students was unmatched. Kelly not only cared for her students while they were in school, she frequently met with families in the community setting to provide even more assistance. We are happy for Kelly as she moves on to this new chapter in her life, but she will be missed by the entire Neidig community. Kelly, we continue to hold you close to our hearts, and we wish you the best as you begin retirement. Congratulations!
From Mr. Scott Godshalk, in honor of Rachel Demchick: The entire Neidig faculty and staff would like to congratulate Rachel on this exciting milestone. Rachel has been teaching for more than 34 years, including 21 years here in Quakertown. She served as the librarian at Neidig, Richland, QE, Pfaff, and Haycock elementary schools. She also served as the Digital Literacy teacher at Trumbauersville Elementary school, so Rachel worked in all QCSD elementary schools. Rachel has shared her love of books with thousands of students over the years, and she will be missed by our school community. Rachel, we know there is only one other topic that matches your passion for books, and that is your passion for the Philadelphia Eagles. We hope your retirement allows you to be at “The Linc” for every Eagles’ game and that the Birds bring home another Super Bowl championship for you as a special retirement gift! Congratulations, Mrs. Demchick!
From Dr. Adam Schmucker, in honor of Colleen Deiley: When I think of a caring and dedicated teacher who is a master of her craft, I think of Colleen Deiley. Throughout the years, Colleen has served the students and the Quakertown community at many different roles across many different school buildings. Through all of those years and places, what has remained consistent is the magical way in which Colleen supports children as they learn and grow. In her students, she fosters independence along with a strong sense of community, high academic achievement, and a lifelong love of learning.
From Dr. Adam Schmucker, in honor of Debra Graver: Deb Graver is a special person. Since 2004, she has been a core part of our Trumbauersville School community, where she started as a general aide. Already familiar with the school as a parent, she quickly connected with the students and the staff. She transitioned into an instructional aide role and found that she had a gift for helping students to read. She has continued since, and countless Trumbuersville Elementary School students have been so positively impacted by her. In addition to working with small groups of students, Deb has also consistently covered the school office, as needed. Through changes in office staff and school principals, Deb has been a constant. Her high level of professionalism, her deep kindness for others, and her passion for helping children have been at the core of our school for many years. Thank you, Debbie! We will miss you.
From Mr. Adam Dinney, in honor of Bridget Beynon-Mortimer: It is a bittersweet honor to celebrate educators who have left such an indelible mark on a school community. Even though I’ve only been in the Sixth Grade Center for a year, Bridget's legacy is so profound that it feels as though I’ve worked alongside her for decades. Bridget is the definition of a "master of all trades," having served our district with heart and expertise as a Reading, ELA, Special Education, and Math teacher before finishing her storied career in our Science department. While I have only had the privilege of being her principal this year, her reputation preceded her, and her presence in our halls feels like a fundamental part of this building's DNA. Bridget’s versatility is matched only by her dedication; she met every new challenge with grace and a deep love for her students. We aren’t just losing a teacher; we are losing a cornerstone of our community. She will be missed more than words can say.
From Mr. Adam Dinney, in honor of Carrie Hayes: Carrie is frequently described by her colleagues as the "consummate professional," but to her students, she is a time-traveler and a storyteller. She has a rare gift for challenging her 6th graders while keeping the joy of learning at the forefront. Whether she is dressing up as a historical figure or virtually transporting her students to the ancient lands they are researching, Carrie makes the past feel incredibly present. In my short year here, I have been constantly inspired by her energy and her ability to bring a curriculum to life. The "magic" she brings to her classroom is irreplaceable, and our hallways will feel much quieter without her vibrant spirit.
Thank you for your years of support, patience, and commitment to our students, staff, and entire Quakertown Community School District community. It has been a privilege to work alongside of you, and we are thrilled for you to begin this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with good health and opportunities to pursue your passions!