Colleen Kamarchik speaks to the Seneca Valley School Board on Monday night upon the occasion of her retirement after 26 years as a secretary at Evans City and Ehrman Crest elementary schools. Paula Grubbs/Butler Eagle

JACKSON TWP — It’s not very often that a standing ovation occurs at a school board meeting, but that was the case on Monday night.

Seneca Valley School Board members, administrators, the honoree’s coworkers and all else rose to their feet in applause as school secretary Colleen Kamarchik ended her comments at the podium following many accolades.

Kamarchik spent all 26 of her years in the district at the former Evans City Elementary School before moving to Ehrman Crest Elementary this year.

She served as a paraprofessional for six years before moving to the office as a secretary.

Lauri Pendred, Ehrman Crest principal, struggled to maintain her composure as she described Kamarchik’s dedication to her job supporting teachers, administrators and students.

“I couldn’t have asked to have a better partner in all my years as an administrator here,” Pendred said.

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