More Than Teachers

At Clifton-Fine classes were so small that everyone knew everything about everyone. The teachers not only knew your name, but they also knew your siblings, your parents, your grandparents, and even your dog’s name. If you misbehaved, you’d better believe they had your parents’ phone number on speed dial and weren’t afraid to use it. This intimate connection wasn’t just intimidating; it created a bond of trust and accountability that made Clifton-Fine more than a school—it was a community. Our teachers were guides, guardians and role models who taught us life skills, ethics and responsibility. 

It is my honor and privilege to introduce you to the remarkable educators who influenced my life and left lasting legacies in our community.  Walk with me down memory lane as I share the character of some of the most amazing people I will ever meet.

Mr. Perrault: More than Words

Mr. Perrault, my English teacher, held a special gift for turning written words into a powerful force. His choice of novels and stories ignited our love for literature even for those of us who thought reading was something you only did when it was too cold to go outside (which, let’s be honest, was often). He taught us to overcome the fear of speaking in front of others, encouraging us to present our thoughts boldly.  Standing in front of your peers—your pseudo-siblings—meant being cheered on or ruthlessly teased for your awkward delivery. Even now, at 49, I credit Mr. Perrault’s passion and encouragement for my love of reading and writing. Though retired, he still serves our community on the Clifton-Fine Board of Education. Running into him around Star Lake where he’s still as kind and encouraging as ever, feels like reconnecting with home—a familiar, reassuring face that reminds me of the power of a great teacher.

Mr. G: History with a Punch

Mr. Giardino or Mr. G as we called him, was a man of small stature but immense in personality.  With his New Yor City accent and vibrant approach, he taught social studies and instilled in us an appreciation for our country’s history.  He believed in understanding the foundations of America to avoid past mistakes and carry forward the spirit of freedom and opportunity.  His enthusiasm for history taught us pride in our nation and reminded us of our roles as responsible citizens. If your eyes started to glaze over mid-lecture, which with an attention span of flee was more likely than not to happen, he’d throw in a joke or an impromptu “Hey, pay attention!” that snapped you right back into focus. He is one of the most compassionate, kind and forgiving individual I have had the privilege to spend time with.  Now retired, he continues to inspire as a deacon at a local church, proving that his passion for guidance didn’t stop at the classroom door.

Mr. Lachut: The Loud, Lovable Coach

Mr. Lachut was larger than life with his passionate lectures on government and civic responsibility.  His catchphrase “Look at me! LOOK AT ME!”  was legendary, and if he didn’t feel seen or heard by you, that is what you heard loud and clear. A line we found endearing and humorous.  Beyond the classroom, Mr. Lachut dedicated countless hours as a coach, giving students of all ages a chance to participate in sports.  His commitment extended far beyond the school day, making him a beloved figure among students.  If you weren’t acting accordingly, you could run but you couldn’t hide from Mr. Lachut.  He wasn’t afraid to show up ANYWHERE to give good guidance.  He has been seriously ill for some time but some things don’t change with age and his determination and unrelenting will has once again shown through and he is now recovering well. 

Mr. Ritchings: Financial Wisdom and Patience

Mr. Ritchings taught us not only of the basics of computers, a novel concept back then, but also invaluable business skills. Computers were just entering the scene back then, and many of us had no idea how to navigate them. Mr. Ritchings calmly walked us through every error message and crash, things that other people would have ran from.  He introduced us to concepts like budgeting and balancing a checkbook and he did it all with the patience of a monk. In his class we ran mock businesses and learned about accountability, a lesson in financial responsibility that many adults struggle with today.  His soft-spoken manner and patience made him an ideal teacher for complex subjects.  Today he is retired, sharing beautiful photos of Star Lake’s scenery and enjoying the peace of nature.  Over 20 years later his practical lessons serve me in everyday life.

Mr. Pierson: Master Builder with a Sense of Humor

Mr. Pierson was the building trades teacher and perhaps the bravest man in the school who guided us—barely pubescent and full of energy—with the use of power tools that could cut fingers off.  He taught us how to craft projects that were both functional and, occasionally, even beautiful and encouraged creativity and gave us freedom to experiment. His humor and willingness to let us learn through hands on projects fostered a love for craftsmanship that still I still carry today as a Construction Business Co-owner.  He patiently taught me how to use the machinery and tools to craft a dove tale toy box for my nephew.  What an amazing feeling to create something useful with your hands and I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and pride I didn’t know before.  He also had the largest key ring I’ve ever seen that he was always carried with him. I used to wonder if he held the keys to every lock in the area and he seemed to know what key opened what.  I once asked him why he had all those keys and his response was because he was an important man, his humor never failed.  He passed away, but his corny jokes, endless patience, and knack for making shop class a fun and enriching time live on.

Ms. Antwine: Queen of Creativity

Ms. Antwine, our art teacher, was a soft hearted and endlessly talented woman.  Art class with Mrs. Antwine was a playground for the imagination. She introduced us to various art forms, painting, ceramics, photography—you name it each class was a new adventure. Her calm demeanor belied her incredible skill, and her encouragement made us feel like the next Michelangelo (even if we were more Picasso on a bad day).  Her quiet encouragement is why I’m unafraid to experiment with art today.  Whether watching over us as we sculpted or managing the mischief of kids trying to eat glue, her classroom was an oasis of creativity and kindness.  She’s no longer with us, but her inspiration still guides me every time I pick up a paintbrush or attempt a new project.  I can still see her kind face and feel the confidence she inspired in me.

Mrs. Collins: A literary Master

Mrs. Collins wasn’t just a librarian—she was a walking encyclopedia with an uncanny ability to recommend the perfect book for any student, she was our guide in the world of words.  She had a knack for selecting captivating books and reading aloud with passion.  Those thirty minute weekly story reading sessions from kindergarten to fourth grade fostered a love of stories that stayed with me. As we grew and moved on to high school, she continued guiding our reading choices, like a motherly figure tracking our interests and nudging us toward new horizons.  She went from reading me weekly stories to being a dear Friend and confidant and was there with me the day I graduated.  She has since passed but her strength, compassion and friendship are amazing examples of a woman that left her mark on the hearts of hundreds of children and her legacy lives in every book I’ve ever loved.

Mrs. Henry: Grandma Meets Disciplinarian

Mrs. Henry, my second-grade teacher, she was older with a round jovial face and had a way of disciplining with kindness.  Rather than reprimanding us, she would simply ask us to sit on her lap, I’m not sure if it was the fact she was severely near sighted but sitting that close to her certainly kept us in line.  Her warmth and caring manner made it clear that she loved each of her students and she rivaled any grandmother in her look and love.  Her soft-spoken discipline, combined with the comfort of her lap, taught us to be mindful in a way that traditional scolding never could.  Though she has passed, I remember her fondly, the softness of her lap, her strong embrace and is one of the most compassionate souls I’ve ever met.

Mrs. Russo: Nature’s Advocate

Mrs. Russo, my fourth-grade teacher, fostered a love of nature through her classroom.  It was part zoo, part greenhouse, and all heart. Her enthusiasm was infectious and we learned to care for small creatures like the classroom gerbil, which seemed to escape on occasion in our care.  Luckily, she was prepared with an escape plane protocol that we followed on these occasions. It wasn’t uncommon to have a seeding we grew in class and then brought home to mature. I garden today to receive that same feeling of amazement and gratification in growing your own flowers to beautify your home or vegetables to feed your family. She planted the rare and precious seed of curiosity and compassion in the hearts of numerous children that remain alive and thrive today.  Today she is retired and remains active in the Star Lake community, beautifying the town, her large rock garden can be seen blooming along Rt. 3 as you travel through Star Lake. She and her husband Joe are volunteers for multiple local causes, embodying the lessons she installed in all of her students.

At Clifton-Fine, our teachers weren’t just educators—they were guardians, mentors, and sometimes even part-time parents. They knew our names, our families, and our quirks. They knew how to inspire us, correct us, and prepare us for life.

Reflecting on my years at Clifton-Fine Central School, I’m overwhelmed by gratitude for these teachers who did more than educate – they shaped us, supported us, and loved us like family.  They taught us lessons that went beyond textbooks and left marks on our hearts.  These educators will always be more than teachers and I extend my deepest thanks to these amazing people who changed and formed my life for the better.  

Artwork at top by Jackie Woodcock.