The Hammonton Gazette 11/25/15 Edition | Page 5

Board honors Giralo for 14 years of service Page 4 • Wednesday, November 25, 2015 • The Hammonton Gazette SCHOOL, from Page 1 came here 14 years ago … i actually feel old because i started at the middle school which was the high school when i was on the board. this building [Hammonton High School] was not even completed at that time. i wanted to say that i came to the board when i was 39 years old. i came here without a heart attack and without cancer and without diabetes, i leave with it. But i leave being strong. i leave with a lot of friends, all of you around the table. Whether we always all agreed or didn’t agree, we learned things. We came together, and i do believe that what we did in the end was right for the children … i leave here, but i’m only going across town, trust me i’m less than a phone call away. i’ll always bleed blue, not only as a graduate but a former president and board member for 14 years. You’ll probably see me sitting in the audience from time-to-time. i’m looking forward to that. and if the school district needs something, i’m there. i will always be there … it’s time for me to go. this is my last official meeting. My last official day as a board member will be November 30,” Giralo said. Board president Sam Mento iii presented Giralo with a plaque and wished him well in his future position. “i would like to reiterate the sentiment of the board and congratulate Mr. Giralo, a top go-getter. again, i know you’ve wanted this and congratulations. and believe me, i know you’re going to put the time into it. and i do want to thank you for, in the beginning, taking me under your wing, and you did teach me quite a few valuable lessons while i was here on the board. Best of luck, and i know you will have continued success on the municipal board,” Mento said. Others congratulated and thanked Giralo. “i feel compelled to chime in and congratulate Mr. Giralo and also thank Mr. Giralo. i’ve had the privilege of working with you throughout your tenure here on the Board of education. i know how many hours you’ve put in, the work that you’ve done that often goes unseen and unrecognized. and i know that you are a tireless public servant. and as a resident and a parent, i thank you for your service on this Board of education. there had been very interesting times that we’ve worked through together, and i know you have had a lot of things go on also in your personal life but stayed committed to this Board of education,” school board solicitor William Donio said. “i am so glad that you are apart of this school district and what you have done for this school, your tireless effort. i am just amazed, i am in awe of you … You took care of this school like it was your home, and how you treat your home, and your family. and your best interest has always been the children of this district. Like i’ve said, i have eaten my words and i applaud you for your service. You’ve done a great job,” board member Barbara Berenato said. according to a public notice in this week’s Gazette, the board is accepting letters of interest for individuals wishing to apply for Giralo’s unexpired term. Qualifications are listed in the notice. the deadline is December 7. in other board news, the board approved the following amounts, as stated on the agenda: • purchase o