The Geneseo Central School District is recognizing three staff members who are retiring following the end to the 2022-23 school year after decades-long service.
"Theresa, Brenda, and Marie, the triumphant trio of retirements, bestowed upon GCS a legacy of unwavering dedication and profound impact,” Superintendent Cindy Flowers said. “Through their collective years of service, they left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of students, forever etching their names in the tapestry of GCS's gratitude."
Brenda Abrams, Middle/High school teacher
Background: Worked as middle/high school teacher, special education team leader at GCSD for 20 years.
What motivated you to come to work each day? “I like the smaller school atmosphere. It just seems like you get to know students a little bit more, even just in passing.”
Special memories: “In this last year, I had students bring me a bouquet of flowers and a cake that said thank you. At the time of the sophomore’s class rings, a student said they had an extra class ring that you can give to family, friends or somebody that made a difference. So he wanted me to have it, and that just blew me away.”
What will you miss? “I feel like I created an environment where kids wanted to feel safe and welcome.”
Next steps: “My next immediate step is to travel. I’m taking a trip to Florida to move my daughter in for her internship [there]. Then I’ll be going to London, Paris and Amsterdam with my family to celebrate. Travel is always something that I wanted to get back to doing.”
From Flowers: "Brenda, an unwavering beacon of support, illuminated the path for countless students as they embarked on their post-secondary journeys. Her dedication transformed obstacles into opportunities, leaving an indelible mark on their futures."
Marie Cassada, Bus driver
Background: Class of ‘78. First worked in the cafeteria for GCSD in 1988. Cassada received her CDL license in 2012 and has been driving the same bus route for the district since.
What motivated you to come to work each day? “I like the district, I went to school here, I know the area and am familiar with the roads.”
Special memory: “Probably working in the cafeteria because I saw all the kids every day and got to interact with them.”
What will you miss? “I’ve been told by many people that I can’t go anywhere because I know everybody in Geneseo. Too many people know me. Any kids that came through Geneseo’s school and the cafeteria for the past 21 years, I can go into some place and get hugs from them. I might not remember them, but they remember me. So that gets me right there.”
Next steps: “I plan on enjoying life, relaxing for the summer and not doing anything. I am also going to help in the cafeteria at a nearby assisted living facility.”
From Flowers: "Marie's unwavering commitment to GCS spanned over three decades, nurturing not just the bellies but the spirits of the students she served. From the bustling cafeteria to the steadfast wheels of the bus, she became a trusted adult to many of our students."
Theresa Miskell, Speech Pathologist
Background: Worked as a speech language pathologist for 31 years at GCSD.
What motivated you to come to work each day? “I love working with children and teachers, mainly children to help them communicate better, learn language skills and help them become better students and learners.”
Special memories: “All the teachers, staff and administrators are so supportive. I loved the whale watches that I went on and working with a variety of students—some students who are non-verbal and some students who are very verbal.”
What will you miss? “I will probably miss the contact with the students and working with the students, their families as well as the teachers.”
Next steps: I will work with preschoolers for [Livingston County]. I’ll also be hiking, traveling and doing yoga.
From Flowers: "In the tapestry of a fulfilling career, Theresa wove the threads of compassion and expertise, bridging the gaps for students with language challenges. Her words became the catalyst for their growth and empowerment."