They are:

Pam Piazza, 36.5 years with Southwestern. After beginning her career at Southwestern as a substitute lunch monitor in 1986, filling in for Margaret Swanson, Pam Piazza joined the district full-time as a teacher aide in October 1989. Over the years, she supported students in many roles, including summer school teacher aide, pool supervisor, and substitute sports worker.

Beth Stockwell, 32 years with Southwestern. Since joining Southwestern as a special education teacher in 1993, Beth Stockwell served in the classroom as well as a class advisor, mentor teacher and Transition Coordinator. Through initiatives such as the Coffee Cart program and the 222 Closet, she has created opportunities for students to build skills, confidence, and independence.

Jenny Brown, 30 years with Southwestern. Since joining Southwestern as an art teacher in 1996, Jenny Brown has inspired countless students to explore their creativity, develop their artistic talents, and express themselves through the arts. Throughout her career, she has taught a wide range of high school art courses, including Advanced Placement Art. Brown has also served as Art Department Chair, Art Club Advisor, and Art Director for countless school musical productions. She also played a key role in developing Southwestern’s Individual Arts Assessment Pathway, expanding opportunities for students to showcase their artistic achievements. She has also been an active member of the New York State Art Teachers Association.

Janice Johnson

Vita Damon, 30 years with Southwestern. After beginning her service to Southwestern as a substitute teacher aide in 1993, Vita Damon joined the district as a teacher aide in 1996. Throughout her career, she has provided support to students and staff, including many years of service in the summer school program. Vita has also assisted countless staff members through her service in the CSEA union. After retiring in July 2025, she returned for another year to continue helping wherever she was needed.

Marge Gustafson, 26 years with Southwestern. Since joining Southwestern in 2000 as a middle school math teacher, Marge Gustafson has shared her expertise and leadership as a mentor teacher, summer school instructor, Middle School Honor Society advisor, and seventh grade grade-level chairperson. She has also generously supported countless extracurricular activities by stepping in wherever needed as a substitute sports worker. Gustafson is planning to relocate to Arizona to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law, and brand-new grandson.

Dana Lovecchio, 24.5 years at Southwestern. Dana Lovecchio’s Southwestern journey began in 1998 as a substitute teacher aide, followed by a full-time teacher aide appointment in the high school in 1999. In 2003, she left the district to pursue her teaching certification in Spanish, returning in 2006 as a Spanish teacher and continuing her commitment to Southwestern students in a new role. Over the years, Lovecchio has served as Spectrum Club advisor, Spanish Club advisor, and Prop Director for numerous school musical productions. A seamstress, she has contributed countless creative touches behind the scenes, helping bring school performances and events to life.

Sue Waite, 24 years at Southwestern. Since joining Southwestern in 2002 as an elementary teacher, as a fifth-grade teacher, she has guided countless students through an important transition year, helping to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she has taught summer school for many years, served as a mentor to fellow educators, and provided leadership as the grade-level chairperson for fifth grade.

Junie Eimiller, 22.75 years at Southwestern. Since joining Southwestern in 1999 as a high school English teacher, Junie Eimiller has inspired students through her passion for literature, writing, and learning. Throughout her career, she has gone beyond the classroom to support students in a variety of ways, serving as Yearbook Advisor and Newspaper Advisor for the Trojan Times, helping students develop their voices, creativity, and communication skills.

Junie Eimiller

Janice Johnson, 16 years at Southwestern. After beginning her Southwestern career as a substitute teacher in 2006, Janice Johnson was appointed as an elementary music teacher in 2008. In addition to Janice’s classroom contributions, she has helped create some of Southwestern Elementary’s most cherished traditions. Each year, she organizes the festive holiday sing-along featuring the Reindeer Rockettes and coordinates the staff musical send-off that greets students as they leave on the last day of school.

Cheryl Ellis, 10 years at Southwestern. Since joining Southwestern in 2015 as a cleaner, Cheryl Ellis has been a dependable and hardworking member of the district team, helping to maintain safe, welcoming, and well-cared-for facilities for students, staff, and visitors. In recognition of her dedication and leadership, she was promoted to working supervisor in 2023. Although she officially retired on February 21, 2026, members of the Southwestern community can still see her from time to time as a substitute cleaner.

Sue Waite

Dana Lovecchio

Marge Gustafson

Vita Damon

Jenny Brown

Beth Stockwell

Pam Piazza