Last year, SHS lost several important members of the community due to retirement. Included in this loss was Ms.Rifelli, office assistant, along with two other office assistants Ms. Frusciante and Ms. Koulouris and the head custodian Mr. Smith. As the 2021-2022 school year progresses, all of these staff members, who have dedicated many years to SHS, will be missed. 

Dean Morgan and Dean D’Elia both worked closely with Ms.Refilli for a number of years, and in this time, they were able to learn how kind of a person she truly is. “We would consider Ms. Rifelli not only our trusted Assistant but also a dear friend,” explained Dean D’Elia, who worked with Ms.Rifelli for the past four years. Ms.Rifelli created a fun working environment, and everyone around her appreciated her positive attitude. “I will miss laughing with Debbie most! Even on the hardest, most stressful days, we found ways to laugh together and keep things positive,” commented Dean Morgan, who worked with Ms.Rifelli in the Counseling Department for the past 11 years. 

Ms.Rifelli loved working with kids, and it was apparent in how much she did for SHS students behind the scenes. “She was incredibly organized and even helped manage our schedules and calendars,” explained Dean D’Elia. Although they are not on the forefront of SHS, without the help of Ms. Rifeli, along with the other retiring secretaries and custodian, SHS wouldn’t be able to operate. 

Although our entire community will miss all retiring staff members this year, we are excited as they move onto their next chapters in life. Ms. Rifelli, for example, plans to help plan for her daughter’s upcoming wedding, and spend time at her Rhode Island House with her friends. Thank you for being apart of the SHS family! We are grateful for all you did during your time here.