Faculty and staff in the Menands Union Free School District honored the memory of a Kindergarten teacher who fell victim to breast cancer earlier this year.
Teachers and coworkers at the school wore pink clothing and fun earrings in memory of Sara Maldonado, who passed away in June following a battle with breast cancer.
As part of the school’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, more than two dozen of her colleagues then ended the day by gathering around a tree that was planted in her memory.
“Sara was a dedicated educator who touched the lives of so many students during her five years teaching in the district,” Principal Kathleen Wylie said, adding, “her creativity and enthusiasm brought joy to the classroom, and her impact will forever be remembered.”
Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo offered similar sentiments.
“Sara was a devoted teacher as well as an amazing person and loving mother, daughter and wife,” Cannavo said. “Sara never complained, saw the positive in every situation and never gave up.”