Board of Education member Robert Frisch, right, talks about Paul Metzger, the most recent Hall of Fame member inducted during Monday night's Harford County Board of Education meeting. (Photo courtesy of Lindsay Bilodeau, Patuxent Homestead / June 25, 2012) |
Linda Chamberlin, who has been executive director of elementary education for Harford County Public Schools since March 2009, has retired after 40 years with the school system.
The former principal of Forest Lakes Elementary School was recognized by the board of education and other school system employees during the board's meeting Monday and received a standing ovation for her hard work and dedication over the years.
In an email Wednesday, Chamberlin wrote, "I have greatly enjoyed my 40 years in HCPS. Having been a graduate of Harford County Public Schools myself, it was a privilege to be able to serve the students and schools in a variety of positions."
The e-mail continued, "Besides opening Forest Lakes as a new school, being Executive Director of Elementary Schools has been a highlight of my 40-year career. I am looking forward to having more time to be with my family and pursue [personal] interests. Leaving my colleagues is not easy, but I am confident that the elementary schools will continue to flourish under the leadership of Angela Morton."
Morton, the principal at Youths' Benefit Elementary School, was approved by the school board in May as Chamberlin's replacement.
Student representative
The 2011-12 school year student representative on the board, Tony Cofrancesco, attended his official last meeting, as well.
Superintendent Robert Tomback commended Cofrancesco on his "meaningful and significant contributions to this board."
"It's been a great pleasure and privilege to work with you last year and this year," Tomback said. "The expectations you set for your successors really are truly amazing.
Cofrancesco was instrumental in successfully getting passed through the Maryland General Assembly this year partial voting rights for the student representative on the school board.
Paul Metzger inducted
Former Edgewood High School teacher and coach Paul Metzger was inducted into the HCPS Hall of Fame as its 171st member Monday.
Metzger spent his entire career as an educator at Edgewood High in different capacities — a wood shop teacher, developing the first work experience program at the school, opening the school bookstore and was part of the redesign of the school's mascot.
As a coach, Metzger started the school's soccer club in 1967, and in 1971 Edgewood won the county soccer title.
Metzger was also the varsity basketball coach for 15 years, leading the school to several county titles, five regional championships and a state championship in 1975.
As a businessman, Metzger, who was with the school system for 30 years, has served as a Maryland Auctioneers Association board member for eight years and president for two years. In 2003, he was named as Maryland Auctioneer of the Year.
He also organized the Edgewood Business Council, was a charter member of the Route 40 Business Association and a member of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club.
School board member Bob Frisch said a few kind words about his former teacher and coach during his induction.
"Over time Mr. Metzger has been more to me than just a teacher and a coach," Frisch said. "Not too often do we get to come full circle with our past teachers."
Frisch said he would like to think their relationship "has developed not only from teacher and coach, but to friend."
Metzger, he continued, taught him "valuable life lessons I learned as a player on his teams," and his guidance and support contributed to where he is today.
"I really am glad I call you my friend now," Frisch said.
"You just can't believe how proud it is for me as a teacher to have the experience to be with students," Metzger said, and see them in great positions today, such as Frisch.
