Bittersweet emotions as 50 years of education come to a end Hewitt You could see it on their faces. Emotions were on the surface at the school picnic last Friday as the end drew near. After 50 years of educating local elementary school children, Our Lady Queen of Peace School was set to close its doors on June 23 for the last time. The cause was low enrollment; the effect was sadness. But there was also gratitude to those who have entrusted their children to them over the years. Father Frederick Walters, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, said that despite their best efforts, the painful decision was made to close the school. “Everyone tried their best, gave their time and resources, and everyone is just devastated,” said Fr. Fred. “We had the best faculty anyone could want. It was a joy and my honor to have them with us at Queen of Peace. We were blessed with Principal (Eugene) Hewitt. His passion for excellence and tremendous respect and acknowledgment of the faculty was a joy to behold.” Father Adam Muda, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, spoke of how he will miss the liveliness, the spirit of the children that brought the parish to life each school day. The teachers, staff and parents were spread out among the children enjoying a last play day together. Children will be children and they were having fun, while the adults were feeling the impact of the occasion. Melissa Lisanti, a first grade teacher for three years at the school, said that it saddens her that she will not be able to watch her little ones go through the years and graduate, but being a part of the staff has been a very enjoyable experience. “They gave me a chance to live my dream as a teacher,” she said. Sister Marie Cimino, a teacher since 1952, has spent the last 29 years at Queen of Peace teaching kindergarten, first and third grades. “I love this place, the teachers and the children. This is what life is all about,” Sr. Cimino said. Pat Cedrone, second grade teacher for 26 years and responsible for preparing the children for First Holy Communion, originally knew the school as a parent of Queen of Peace students. “This is my life. I hope I find a new position within the diocese,” she said. Eileen Thompson, the school nurse for the past four years said that her time at the school has been more like working with family and fourth grade teacher Lorraine Ford was thankful to teach the “best children on earth for the last 24 years.” The children will now go their separate ways. Some to St. Mary’s in Pompton, some to St. Catherine’s in Ringwood and some will enter the West Milford public school system. As the doors shut with finality this week the families can leave with this message from Fr. Fred: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”