A Special Goodbye from the LHS Family

Emily Paladino, Editor|February 8, 2021

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Gallery • 6 Photos
Emma Ward
Linda Vegh and Dorothy McCarthy walk through their special farewell together.

The LHS community has spent the year adjusting to the “new normal,” and now it will now have to acclimate to the school environment without two longtime beloved staff members: Linda Vegh and Dorothy McCarthy. Both of these revered teachers retired after the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year after spending countless years dedicated to making LHS a special place to learn. Although the LHS family is sad to see them go, they are wished an enjoyable retirement.

In honor of Vegh and McCarthy, LHS celebrated the two educators with a walkout on their last day. Senior Library Clerk Jane Paladino said, “Mrs. Herrmann, a recently retired teacher, organized the walkout. A walkout is a safe and festive idea to stay socially distant but still have a celebration. Mrs. Herrmann sent an email to the high school staff and asked that everyone kept [the walkout] a secret.” 

After school, teachers and staff assembled to cheer for Vegh and McCarthy as they were escorted out of the building on their last day, Jan. 29. A crowd filled with smiles to wish Vegh and McCarthy good luck in their retirement. Librarian Maureen Bertolini said, “The walkout was so exciting! It was so nice to see [Vegh and McCarthy] honored safely.” The walkout was a successful, and the crowd filled with laughter whenever an unsuspecting student tried to leave the building. Junior Victoria Martorano exclaimed, “I almost walked through the celebration! I was really glad to see it, it was super exciting.”

The walkout was not the only celebration for these two teachers. At the start of the day, all the physical education teachers built a makeshift marching band that clanged drums and cheered as McCarthy walked through the halls. Vegh was also showered with love as her classroom was decorated with streamers and signs wishing her a happy retirement. 

This year was full of change, but LHS has proven it is always up for the challenge. The LHS family was sure to show appreciation and well wishes for Vegh and McCarthy, two teachers who will be missed.