HOPE — Hope parents and children, teachers, administrators, and the bigger community gathered at Hope Elementary School Wednesday evening, June 12, to honor their favorite principal, Carol Hathorne, who is retiring at the end of this school year. Amidst lots of tears, there were tributes, speeches and gifts, including a chair for Hathorne's upcoming camping trips, a memory book, and the naming of the school field after her: Hathorne Field.

The celebration of Carol Hathorne was beautiful and heartfelt, and at the end, all the children sang goodbye to her.

What made her unique and special to the community: Students, parents and teachers got up one by one to say how much they appreciated Carol Hathorne. She attended every dance, musical and sport event. She was present at all school lunches. Her door was always open and she made herself available to staff, students and parents. She is a kind educator, and she cares about the students.

When it was her time to speak, she said that when she heard she was getting a retirement party she wanted to make sure all the children were invited.

The speeches where broken down by the letters of her name, C A R O L. Hope School Committee Jude Pearse took C, and following her words, a student asked Hathorne up onto the stage, where she was presented a chair for camping trips, and invited to try it out.

Ann Bresnahan spoke, taking letter A, and a student presented Hathorne with a Hope Hawk Fleece Vest. Jessica Snyder, a Hope School Volunteer, spoke on letter R, and a student presented a memory book. Student Council member Aiden Roberts spoke, with letter O, followed by Sue Heal, who took the letter L. At the end, they presented Hathorne with the Hathorne Field sign, the new name of the Hope Elementary School athletic field.

In her remarks, Hope School Volunteer member Jessica Snyder said:

"It is no surprise, what an outpouring of emotion and support we've seen here tonight. As previously mentioned, I am Jessica Snyder, representing Hope School Volunteers. As with the speakers before and after me, we were tasked with a letter, and I got R.

"I wanted the letter C – as Jude said, Mrs. Hathorne is caring and classy. I also would have taken the letter A, and spoken about how Mrs. Hathorne is an advocate, like Ann said. I would have loved to have O, and mentioned how she is outstanding and outgoing. Or I could have elaborated on L, stating what a leader she is, and so much more! But I had a hunch that someone strategically gave me the letter R because they wanted me to keep it short and sweet, and I am a talker, after all.

"I did find out that the grass isn't greener on the other side, and R was perfect.... I mean R is for Retiring (that was an easy one)! Mrs. Hathorne is always responsive... except at my repeated requests to stay for just eight more years (I have a Kindergartener you know). She is resourceful and realistic, especially where the budget is concerned! That might have helped make her resilient and a great rallier of the troops!

"She is responsive, rational, reflective, relaxed, reverent, respectful, restrained, ready, resolute and rare! I especially want to make special mention about her remarkable sense of humor, after all she laughs at ALL of my jokes! I think it is also safe to say she is also the most recognizable person in this room.

"In all seriousness, from the moment my family and I met her four years ago, she has been all these things and more. She welcomed us with open arms, and made us feel comfortable assured leaving our children here, as I am sure you've all felt. I love the fact that she greets the kids at the front door coming in and going out of the school. I love that her door always stays open and she is approachable. I love that when we needed a physical education teacher on Monday, that she stepped in. I love that no matter what time in the middle of the night or on what weekend day or even holiday I sent her an email, that she was sure to reply and sometimes immediately. I love that she knows every kid's name, from week one, and forms a relationship with them, as well as their family.

Mrs. Hathorne has been a remarkable, reliable and respectful representative of Hope Elementary School and our community. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts! R was the perfect letter, but she has so many positive qualities, any letter would have worked!"