Middletown honors Teacher of the Year Kaylee Bowman and dozens of longtime educators

The Middletown School Committee used part of its May 21 meeting to honor educators: Kaylee Bowman was named Teacher of the Year and the committee recognized a list of district retirees for decades of service.

Chair Greg Hwitt invited Bowman to the podium to accept the district’s recognition. Members praised her creativity and dedication to students and the district. One member said she was known for "bringing creativity, positive energy, and compassion into the classroom." The committee later offered applause for a roster of retirees including Ruth Butler, Holly Cousins, Eric Goden, Diane Lucitz, Cheryl Rosa, Gail Sullivan McHune and Dave Fontaine; members read highlights of their careers and thanked them for long service to Middletown schools.

Member Terresa Spangler, speaking during the recognition portion, reflected on the cumulative service: "That's just mindboggling. You know, it's something that really says a lot about our community, our district, that this is a great place to work." Members noted a combined total of district service initially cited at 236 years and later revised in discussion to 242 years.

The ceremony portion preceded routine business that included votes on personnel and policy matters. The meeting closed with the committee encouraging attendees to congratulate honorees.