News

On Oct. 26, 2022, friends, family and colleagues of former Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) staff members gathered to celebrate their retirement. The courtyard patio of the district’s Education Center was filled with hearty hugs and handshakes, as retirees from 2021-22 were recognized.

In his opening remarks, Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith thanked everyone for their countless contributions to the district and welcomed them to the next chapter of their lives. Assistant Superintendent, Chief Human Resources Officer Leona Olson, noted that the 23 retirees present represented a combined 617 years of experience and dedication to NMUSD.

School administrators and department supervisors called up each honoree separately as they gave short speeches about their dedication to NMUSD’s students. Many speeches evoked both tears and laughter, with longtime colleagues ending their moment together with heartfelt embraces. 

Each retiree received a crystal iceberg inscribed with their name, years of service, and the starfish story, a motivational tale about making a difference, one starfish (or person) at a time. They also received guest passes to attend any NMUSD high school home athletic event at no cost, valid for as many years as they worked for NMUSD. These tokens of appreciation were presented by NMUSD Board of Education President Michelle Barto, Vice President Charlene Metoyer, Clerk Carol Crane, and Board Members Karen Yelsey and Ashley Anderson. 

Among those recognized at the in-person event were former Superintendent Russell Lee-Sung, who notably stepped in during the global pandemic to guide the district through one of the most difficult times in education. In her presentation, Yelsey praised not only Lee-Sung’s leadership during that difficult time, but also his personal talent and musical skills.

Additional retirees honored include: 

• Andersen Elementary School: Administrative Assistant Cathy Kitto and Teacher Jane Owen (presented by Principal Tiffany Lewis)

• Corona del Mar Middle/High School: Teacher Julie Oblouk and Instructional Assistant for Special Education Sylvia Appell (presented by CdM Middle School Assistant Principal Jeff Perry)

• Costa Mesa Middle/High School: Teacher Robert Serven (presented by CM Middle School Principal Eugene Kwong) 

• Davis Magnet School: Office Assistant Mary Gray (presented by Principal Christy Flores)

• Mariners Elementary School: Nutrition Services Assistant Polly Harrison (presented by Director of Nutrition Services Todd Hatfield) 

• Newport Coast Elementary School: Teacher Pamela Carman (presented by Principal Somer Harding)

• Newport Harbor High School: Teacher Edwin Bell (presented by Principal Sean Boulton)

• Newport Heights Elementary School: Teacher Lori Bell (presented by Principal Terri Clarke) 

• Pomona Elementary School: Teachers Jennifer Taylor and Lisa Tupman (presented by Principal Cindy Pedroso) 

• Rea Elementary School: Preschool Site Facilitator Patricia Cuba (presented by Early Learning Coordinator Michelle O’Neill)

• Sonora Elementary School: Teacher Kristine Hoffman (presented by Principal Mia Doidge) 

• Victoria Elementary School: Teacher Lorraine Wilburn (presented by Principal Aaron Peralta) 

• Whittier Elementary School: Teachers Robyn Franz and Mary Becker (presented by Principal Randy Lempert) 

• Woodland Elementary School: Teacher Mary Jane Scott (presented by Principal Amy Nagy) 

• NMUSD Offices: Human Resources Technician Brenda Garcia (presented by Olson); Human Resources Technician Stephanie Beck (presented by Administrative Director, Classified Personnel Kristen Clark); Bus Driver Jose Chavez and Transportation Dispatcher/Scheduler Robert Bremmer (presented by Director of Transportation Services Shelley Humphrey); Grounds Maintenance Worker Gonzalo Vazquez (presented by Director of Maintenance & Operations Lance Bidnick) 

An additional 61 staff members retired during 2021-22 but were unable to attend the ceremony.  

After the ceremony, everyone was treated to beverages, cake and other goodies in the courtyard as the sun began to set on the two-hour recognition and reception honoring the people that contributed so much in support of one another and thousands of students.