Two longtime employees recognized for years of service at Lewisburg Area

Nov. 15—LEWISBURG — Administrators, principals and school board members in Lewisburg Area School District recognized two longtime employees on Thursday night: one who is retiring and another who is leaving the district for another job.

Paula Young, executive assistant to the superintendent and assistant superintendent, will retire on Nov. 21 after 16 years of employment. Brett Hoffmaster, the assistant principal at Kelly Elementary School, will leave the district after nearly 17 years on Dec. 6 to take the position of K-2 principal at the elementary school in Mifflinburg Area School District.

"Paula is my right hand," Superintendent Cathy Moser said. "She has been far more than my assistant. We have lived lots of life experiences in a common fashion. We have cared for our aging parents, we have raised our children to adulthood and we have the wonderful blessings of grandchildren to enjoy. We have always had lots to talk about and share over the years. I will always treasure our conversation."

Donald E. Eichhorn Middle School Principal Michael Sokalzuk described Young as a beacon of positivity, one of the kindest people he knows and a wealth of knowledge that will be impossible to replace.

"You're a staple of the school district," Sokalzuk said. "You're a piece of the heart of the district. You will absolutely be missed and we wish you the best in retirement. Well deserved."

High school Principal Paula Reber agreed, calling Young a "steady and calm force."

"We can always rely on you and because of you, we have always been able to move forward without missing a beat," Reber said. "Your presence has always been a steadying force. You have a way of putting people at ease, whether it's a warm smile or just the right words to a new teacher candidate waiting to face us in the interviews.

Young thanked them all.

"It's been a blessing to work here and to work with all of you and all the other staff," Young said. "You're in good thanks."

Stephanie Ironside will assume the role of executive assistant to the superintendent and assistant superintendent once Young retires.

Hoffmaster said the Lewisburg team of administrators make it "bittersweet" to leave the district.

"You all have my sincere admiration and I just consider myself very fortunate to have worked with each and every one of you," he said. "Lewisburg has always been the gold standard for me and I'm lucky to have had 16 plus wonderful years pursuing my passion in the district. For that I'm extremely grateful."

Linntown Intermediate Principal Eric Wetzel said Hoffmaster is an "incredible educator and administrator" and an "incredible human being."

"While I wish we had more years together, Lewisburg's loss is absolutely Mifflinburg's gain," Wetzel said. "I am excited for the Mifflinburg School District knowing they have someone who will do everything in his power to give students, staff and community members the best education experience possible. I wish him nothing but the best, look forward to seeing all the great things he's doing in his role. Mifflinburg hit an absolute homerun and they're so lucky to have him join."

Moser said Hoffmaster has a "strong demeanor" and "quiet wit."

"You are more than ready for the chosen path you take at this point," Moser said. "It has been my professional and personal pleasure to see you grow and develop your leadership capacity."