School board honors Rose Seck for 51 years of service

A longtime Carrollton school educator was honored at the Dec. 9 Board of Education meeting, marking the conclusion of 51 years of service to the district.

Rose Seck, who began her career as a teacher at Carrollton Elementary School in 1973, received multiple accolades from fellow board members, administrators and former colleagues during a special recognition portion of the meeting.

Seck’s more than half-century of service with the Carrollton Exempted Village School District included 12 years teaching third grade, 23 years as an administrator serving as curriculum director, and 16 years as a member of the Board of Education, including time as board president.

Among those honoring her was Superintendent David Davis, who presented Seck with an honorary Carrollton High School diploma and a Warrior blanket in recognition of her 51 years of service. Seck graduated in 1969 from the former St. Edward High School between Carrollton and Malvern and was formally recognized as a Carrollton High School Warrior.

Board President Dan Ries also presented Seck with a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for her decades of dedication to education in Carrollton schools. Vice President Steven Pridemore and board members Jamie Matoszkio and Jonathan Naylor also shared their appreciation.

Those in attendance included former Carrollton Schools Superintendent Lawrence F. Pontuti and his daughter Denise, members of the Carroll County Retired Teachers Association, current faculty members and close friends.

A thank-you banner was displayed on the elementary cafeteria wall, allowing attendees to sign and leave congratulatory messages.

During the meeting, Seck shared remarks reflecting on her time with the district.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the administration, school staff, students, parents and community for allowing me to serve on the Carrollton Exempted Village School District Board of Education the past 16 years,” Seck said. “It has been an honor and a great privilege.”

She noted that while there were both good and challenging times, teamwork helped address issues as they arose.

“My goals and dreams to have all our students in new buildings with excellent curriculum have been met,” she said.

Seck credited Pontuti for his foresight in asking the board to purchase land for future schools in 1987.

“I want to wish much success for the entire school family and best wishes for the school board as they continue their important work,” she said.

Before concluding, Seck recognized Savannah Harris, who will succeed her on the Board of Education.