Judy Rutelonis, 2012

Judy Rutelonis, this year’s MTA Retired Honor Our Own recipient, was regocnized during the September 27th Retired Gathering.

Rutelonis retired this past year from teaching third grade in Sutton. Retired Members Committee Co-Chair Mary Gilmore explained why Rutelonis was singled out for the award.

 “She was committed to ‘staying fresh’ in her classroom,” said Gilmore. “She incorporated innovative ideas in her classroom until her retirement.

 “Always keeping in mind the best interests of her colleagues, our recipient worked tirelessly on her association’s Board of Directors for 15 years and also served on the Labor Relations Committee and the Sick Bank Committee. She worked as a mentor to new teachers long before formal mentoring programs became popular across the state.

 “Our award recipient is also considered a humanitarian by her colleagues. She was always the first on the scene to lend a hand to those on staff or families in the community who needed assistance. She helped to raise funds to benefit the scholarship fund and was also the initiator of the Community Fund that provides assistance with food, heat and other necessities to needy families.”