This year marks the retirement of six teachers, all whom made a positive difference in the lives of many Grafton students. They will be greatly missed.
Deborah Trapasso, 30 years of service: Trapasso has been supporting students by leading healthy lifestyles. Most recently she has been a key team member in the creation of North Street Elementary School. However, the bulk of her support for students was at Grafton Middle School. Her impact was not only felt in the gymnasium, but across Grafton. She encouraged student participation in community events, such as the Grafton Gazebo Race. Trapasso is the kind of teacher that goes above and beyond her responsibilities each day. She is always willing to lend a helping hand with colleagues and will be missed dearly. Best of luck to her in the next phase of her life.
Cynthia Reitz, 14 years of service: Reitz has served Grafton students as a behavioral learning assistant her entire career, mostly at South Grafton Elementary. Her dedication to children is second to none. Over the years, Reitz has demonstrated a calming influence to the kids. She has helped them to grow into successful students by guiding them in their learning. She has always set an example for others to follow, modeling how to best respond to children and others in a calm, quiet and firm manner. Reitz shared in students’ successes, cheering them on to reach their potential. She was also there to assist them on the days when things didn’t go as well as expected. Cynthia has “it”, that magical way of knowing what children need at that particular moment in time and providing it to them in her own special way. The district has been fortunate to have worked side-by-side with Reitz. She will be greatly missed by students and staff members alike.
John McKeon, 17 years of service: McKeown is a dedicated teacher whose love of history not only captivated his students but also his colleagues. He focused on nurturing his students’ pursuit of knowledge and encouraged them to reach a deeper understanding of world affairs. He positively impacted so many, they are deeply saddened he is retiring. McKeown’s dedicated years of service have helped the community in many ways. Many will miss his selfless and humble devotion to students and athletes. Grafton High School’s staff and students are indebted to him and thank him for his many years of steadfast service. His commitment to the students and GHS is not confined to the typical school day. He was an integral part of the Grafton Athletic Department, both as a former coach and as an assistant to the athletic director. His devotion to extra-curricula activities is not limited to school sports. McKeon also served as yearbook advisor and Class of 2003 co-advisor. In 2015, the Grafton Special Education Parent Advisory Council recognized him with an Everyday Hero Award.
Mary Sherman, 29 years of service: It is with sincere regret but warm wishes to announce Mary Sherman’s retirement at the end of September. Mary has been an outstanding math teacher at Grafton High School for over 30 years where she also served as a math department head, math team coach, and ski club chaperone. She also served on many committees, all focused on the unified goal of making Grafton High School a better place for students. Her departure marks the end of an era, as she handled every situation large or small with the utmost integrity, competence and kindness. She shall be missed by all, but especially her students and her coworkers in the math department.
Patricia Morse, 19 years of service: Morse worked in the Grafton Public School as an instructional aide. South Grafton Elementary, Millbury Street Elementary and Grafton Middle School have had the pleasure of her presence. Upon retirement Morse plans to spend her winters in warmer climate and eventually move closer to her family in Maryland.
“The many students that have passed through classes I have been in, dried tears of sadness, laughed with many and knowing I have helped one student a day through a problem. It is such a joy seeing former students greeting me with a smile and a hug. Many students have items I have made for them over the years and remind me each and every time I see them. These memories will remain with me always!” – Pat Morse
Sandra Brawn, 40 years of service: Brawn has served as a media aide for 40 years in the Grafton Public Schools. She has worked in four different buildings, under six superintendents, and 13 building administrators. She has seen many changes in instruction over the years. She has shared her love of reading. A countless number of students and faculty are grateful for her support of literacy throughout the years. In her retirement she plans to relax and have fun with her sisters.
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