After seventeen years working as a permanent substitute at LHS, Bonnie Ambruso embarked on her retirement on Friday, April 28. In her nearly two decades working at LHS, Ambruso formed close relationships with the teachers, administrators, and students and was a beloved part of the LHS community.

Social studies teacher John Cornicello has occasionally taught alongside Ambruso when she has subbed for a co-teacher in one of his classes. He spoke fondly of working with her and commented, “She is a mainstay of Lynbrook. Being absent just won’t be the same without her!”

Students know Ambruso for her never-ending supply of difficult riddles and interesting trivia facts, which she often shared at the end of the classes she subbed. “She really unites the school!” said senior Ava Schwam. “Everyone knows her!” 

Ambruso initially worked with elementary school students in the city but began working at Lynbrook to be closer to home. “I was able to come here, just minutes away from home, and I’ve loved it ever since I’ve started,” she said. “It’s like home away from home; it’s like a family!”

Ambruso’s favorite part of her job is that each day is different. “Just coming here is my favorite because of the role that I play,” she explained. “I never know who I’m going to be, who I’m going to see, so there’s variety. I’ve been able to meet the whole school as a result, so I feel like I know everyone.” As much as Ambruso enjoys being connected to everyone, she explained that it is also the reason why leaving LHS is so hard. “I’m going to miss everybody; I might even start choking up a little bit!” she exclaimed.

Leaving may be sad, but Ambruso has lovely plans for her retirement. “I’m looking forward to a little bit of traveling within the states, seeing friends, family, and the country…see new places I haven’t seen yet.” She continued, “I love to read. I’m even thinking about maybe writing something myself.” In addition, she hopes to continue her education. She explained that she already has a master’s degree in counseling and has already begun working on her doctorate. “I’m also thinking about going back to school to get my doctorate. I’m close enough that I’d like to go back and get it in my own time, so I’d continue with that.”

Students and staff made sure to make Ambruso’s last day extra special. The staff took up a collection to give her a retirement gift, and they filled two giant cards with messages of congratulations and well wishes. Students and staff alike waited after school in the cafeteria for her to walk out and erupted into applause to commemorate her final moments at LHS. Ambruso was overjoyed and very emotional at the display, hugging the secretaries she has come to know so well.