One Last Word

By DEVIKA RAJEEV, MAYA MASHEB, and CHRISTINE BAE

This year Jericho waves goodbye to four beloved teachers: Ms. Lesse, Mr. Klobus, Mr. Maraventano, and Ms. Bozzo. We appreciate their dedication and love for education and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

History teacher Mr. Maraventano has been working at Jericho for 38 years. In addition to his involvement in the Jericho Alumni Hall of Fame, he is proud of having started the Facing History program with colleague Mr. Whelan in 1998.

Mr. Maraventano has traveled extensively, visiting 6 continents and over 35 countries. One of his greatest joys is “being able to share these experiences in my classes.”

When asked about what he will miss about his students, Mr. Maraventano said, “I will miss the many things they taught me each day in spite of the fact that I was the one in front of the room.”

Science teacher Ms. Lesse has been working at Jericho for 30 years. Even though there are so many to choose from, two of her favorite memories at Jericho include a surprise birthday party with cupcakes, and the Valentine’s Day Noteworthy performance.

When Ms. Lesse retires, she hopes to read and go to the beach more.

Physical education and business teacher Mr. Klobus has been working at Jericho for 21 years. When asked what he will miss about his students, he said, “Just having fun in the classroom, enjoying what I do, the enthusiasm of the students, the creativity. They’re very open-minded and willing to work hard.”

Mr. Klobus with colleagues, from left, Ms. Funes, Mrs. Corbett, and Ms. Dunn, said, “I am proud of going into the Phys. Ed Department and working with the Phys. Ed staff.

Italian teacher Ms. Bozzo who has been working at Jericho for 22 years, gave her advice for incoming teachers. She said, “Never be afraid to change. Never be afraid to grow. Always be a lifelong learner, and be open to new techniques and new experiences.”