School board reshapes

Outgoing board members honored; two new members come on board, By Jennifer Knocha Vernon — Two longtime school board members — Howard J. Whidden and Michael Kirchmer — sat down for their last meeting on April 29, and were duly recognized for their service. Whidden, who had previously served as board president, has put in 21 years. “Mr. Whidden’s devotion to Vernon is unparalleled and he has positively impacted over two decades of education, educators and educated,” said Superintendent Dr. John Alfieri. “Those of us who know Howard know that he is devoted to that which is right for children, and nothing else...his impact on Vernon is a very part of the fabric of our district. He will be missed greatly.” “There is no more dedicated human being, dedicated to doing what’s right, even if it’s not popular,” Alfieri said. Kirchmer has been with the school board for 12 years. He also served, Alfieri said, as “an extraordinary liaison to the Special Education Committee. Many of you who know Mike will agree that he is the ‘original gentlemen’ who, in every instance, rendered only the most impeccable account of himself in his years of dedication to our community.” A gift Board member Cynthia Auberger thought of Kirchmer in a slightly different way. She presented him with a paperweight of a starfish, and reminded the public of the parable of the starfish, where a man comes across a boy, surrounded by hundreds of beached starfish. The boy is throwing as many as he can back into the ocean. When the man tells him that there are thousands of starfish, and asks what kind of difference the boy could make, the boy throws the starfish in his hand into the ocean and replies “It will make a difference to that one!” Said Auberger to Kirchmer: “I can’t think of anyone who has made more of a difference than you.” Newcomers Two newly elected members, David Zweier and Lori Parrott were welcomed, as was returning member, John McGowan, a 10-year veteran, to their new terms.