West Irondequoit staff members celebrated 25 and 35 years of service to the district with colleagues and family at a reception on March 13 in the Campus Center at Irondequoit High School.

Jeff Guercio, Irondequoit High School English teacher, has been with the district for 25 years. He has earned National Board Certification and created the IHS Summer Institute, a unique “learning by doing” experience. Mr. Guercio offered a workshop on the institute at the prestigious National Conference of Teachers of English in New York City in November. He was the advisor to the school newsletter for 10 years, he has coached cross country and has been the drama director for productions such as The Crucible, A Streetcar Named Desire, Death of a Salesman, The Odd Couple and, most recently, A Doll’s House.

Dennis White, Iroquois Middle School music teacher, also celebrated 25 years in West Irondequoit. Mr. White began his career in the district at Dake Junior High School, then taught general music in several elementary schools and began his stay at Iroquois in 1996. He currently leads the jazz bands and the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade bands. He coaches and chaperones students as they compete at NYS School Music Association Solo Festivals and supports those who have been selected to perform in All-County groups.

Joan DiGiovanni has served West Irondequoit Schools for 26 years. She began her career as the Health Office secretary at Irondequoit High School, moved to Dake Junior High in the same position, then moved on to Rogers Middle School as secretary in the Counseling Department. She worked in the Counseling Department at the high school for seven years and began her current position as secretary in the Athletic Department 14 years ago. Mrs. DiGiovanni coordinates details that allow 90 sports teams to run smoothly, serving children in grades 7-12. In 2006, Joan was awarded the Judith A. Martens Secretarial Award of Excellence by Chapter 5 of the New York State Athletic Administrators Association.

Michael Henry has worked as a school counselor in West Irondequoit for 35 years. He has held positions at Rogers Middle School and Dake Junior High and has been with Irondequoit High School for 19 years. Mr. Henry has served as a mentor to many colleagues over the years, and is a frequent presenter in classrooms and at parent college information nights. One measure of the impact teachers have on their students is when students return to check in with their former teachers and share their accomplishments.  It is a common sight to find former students at Mr. Henry’s door, anxious to catch up with him.