Grace Bradley has seen many generations of families come and go through the classrooms in the Averill Park Central School District. With 30 years of service in the books, she is officially retiring next week.
After 12 years of working as a secretary outside of school, Mrs. Bradley began working for APCSD as a monitor at the high school.
“I really didn’t like being in a cubby as a secretary. I like being out, meeting and greeting people, interacting with everyone,” she said.
Originally, working for APCSD started as a part time job while her three children were young. That snowballed from working 3.5 hours per day to 6.5 and then 7.5.
“I kept saying it would be a little fill-in job when the kids were little, but I kept going and here I am,” she said.
Mrs. Bradley eventually transitioned from monitor to teacher aide at Algonquin Middle School.
“I love it at the middle school,” she said. “I’ve loved seeing some of the shy students build courage and succeed. My happiest memories are seeing students learn self-worth.
“Every student has different challenges and it has been great helping them work through them.”
Mrs. Bradley doesn’t have any big plans for retirement, and she hopes to continue to help out around the district as a substitute.
“I have three daughters and a little grandson who is six years old. I’m going to spend more time with my family and work when I want to,” she said.
“Grace Bradley has shown great dedication to the Averill Park Central School District, working with our students for 30 years,” APCSD Superintendent Dr. Fanchini said. “Mrs. Bradley has left a lasting impression on many and we wish her the best of luck in retirement!”
