Gettysburg, Pa. – Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) proudly recognized 14 retiring employees whose combined careers represent more than 350 years of service to students, families, and the community. Throughout their years in education, these dedicated staff members have worn many hats, including teacher, mentor, coach, problem-solver, and role model. Their influence extends far beyond classrooms and offices, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues.
“Our retirees have devoted their careers to supporting students and strengthening our schools,” GASD Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Matzner said. “The relationships they built, the lives they touched, and the countless ways they supported our school community have left a legacy that will continue long after their final day. We are deeply grateful for their service and wish them all the best in this exciting new chapter.”
Among this year’s retirees are three individuals who reflected on what they enjoyed most at the district.
Reflecting on his 25-year career as a Gettysburg Area High School (GAHS) technical education teacher, Chad Deckert said he’ll miss his Career and Technology Education colleagues, who have been “supportive, lighthearted, and genuinely fun to work alongside.”
“I have truly enjoyed the atmosphere within the building, which reflects the leadership and guidance provided by the administration over the years,” Deckert said. “Their commitment to supporting both staff and students has helped create a positive and welcoming school culture.”
For Deckert, his biggest joy was “working with so many outstanding students.”
“In today’s climate of constant distractions through culture and social media, it has been refreshing and inspiring to work with students who take pride in their education, accept responsibility for their future, and strive to achieve their goals,” Deckert said. Deckert plans to spend time with family and begin a new chapter as an instructional and graphic designer in a corporate or post-secondary education field in his retirement.
Amanda Petroccia, GAHS English teacher with 33 years at the district, said she’ll miss working with students the most.
“I loved learning about my students through their writing and seeing them grow and develop their talents during their years at the high school,” Petroccia said.
In her retirement, Petroccia said she plans to assist her husband with his work, visit her sons, and spend time with other family members.
Tamela Becker, a James Gettys Elementary kindergarten teacher with 31 years at the district, said she has three decades of “cherished memories” here.
“I have loved getting to know and teaching kindergarteners for 28 years,” Becker said. “The staff have not only been supportive colleagues but amazing friends.”
Becker plans to “spend time with family and friends,” read many books, and “travel as much as I can” in her retirement.
The school board also honored the following retirees and recognized their years of service to GASD at the board study session/voting meeting Monday night: Tarja Wilson, GAHS German teacher with 11 years; Nancy Shilow, GAHS custodian with 23 years; Sharon Martin, Lincoln Elementary secretary with 33 years; Lesley Woodward, Lincoln Elementary music teacher with 26 years; Lisa Forsythe, Franklin Township Elementary custodian with 17 years; Dana Newton, Lincoln Elementary first-grade teacher with 19 years; Mary Jane Socks, Vida Charter School food handler with 30 years; Michael Ginter, Lincoln Elementary physical education teacher with 32 years; Christina Cooley, James Gettys Elementary reading specialist with 20 years; Angie Hughes, English Language Arts teacher with 29 years; and Susan Yingling, GAHS assistant secretary with 25 years.
As they embark on their next chapter, the district thanks each retiree for their extraordinary contributions and wishes them well.
Photo Cutline: Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Matzner and the GASD School Board recognized retiring staff at the board meeting Monday. Pictured from left to right are: Amanda Petroccia, Tarja Wilson, Sharon Martin, Tamela Becker, Angie Hughes, Christina Cooley, Michael Ginter, and Lesley Woodward. (Photo Courtesy of GASD).
Gettysburg Area School District, in partnership with families and our community, is dedicated to excellence and committed to maximizing every student’s opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve in a safe and healthy environment. With a student population of over 2,800, GASD embraces its responsibility in developing a caring school community that enables all students to become productive members of our diverse world.