Clark Resident, BOE Member and Educator Honored at Retirement Dinner

Lorraine J. Alkonis, Clark resident and  educator with both the Elizabeth and
Rahway School Districts, was honored at a retirement celebration on Oct. 6 at the Suburban Golf Club in Union. The packed room of guests included family members, colleagues from the education profession, leaders from the Clark township and schools communities and friends.

In a distinguished teaching and administrative career, Aklonis held the positions of Language Experience Consultant Teacher, ESEA Title I program Administrator and Basic Skills Coordinator with the Elizabeth Public Schools; and Supervisor of Humanities, Director of Educational Services and Area Supervisor with the Rahway Public Schools. In addition, Aklonis held numerous Board positions in the Clark community, Union County and at the state level. She is currently a member of the Clark Board of Education, has served on the NCLB State Advisory Council, Clark Library Board of Directors, State Bilingual/ESL Advisory Council, Union County Professional Development Board and on the First New Jersey Department of Education Level III Monitoring Team.

In an emotional andcelebratory evening, Alkonis was honored by a number of guest speakers including Ed Yergalonis, Rahway Superintendent of Schools;  Frank Buglione, Former Rahway Superintendent of Schools; Joe Papetti, Former Elizabeth Administrator; Angela Berninato, Special Education Teacher; and Steven Deo, Berkeley Heights Teacher and administrative intern.

Aklonis was presented with a proclamation from Jeff Jotz from the City of Rahway, a gift on behalf of the Rahway Administrators Association by Tom Lewis, and a retirement gift by retired Executive County Superintendent of Schools Carmen Centuolo Musial.

At the conclusion of the evening, Aklonis addressed the large gathering with a speech laced with humor and fond memories.  At the conclusion of her remarks, all in attendance rose to their feet to provide her with a standing ovation.