The Watermark at 3030 Park Honors Residents for National Teacher Appreciation Day

On Tuesday, May 3, The Watermark at 3030 Park held its Second Annual “Teacher Appreciation Tea” in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Day. Seventeen residents who served as teachers, leadership and school staff were recognized for their valued efforts and years of service in the education industry.

Residents and their families were invited to spend the afternoon at The Watermark’s W Lounge, where honorees were presented flowers and special baked goods to celebrate and reward their outstanding work and lifelong dedication to education.

“The Watermark at 3030 Park has a long history as a haven for teachers and educators from our earliest years as a retirement community. We’re so proud to honor our extraordinary educators and thank them for their tireless work in creating inspiring, positive and impactful learning environments thousands of children throughout their careers,” said Kristin Butler, Executive Director at The Watermark.

Among the honorees was Barbara Buxton, a former home economics teacher who taught the subject in Newtonville and Hopeville, Mass., as well as Central High School in Bridgeport. Buxton went on to become the assistant principal at Bridgeport’s Bassick High School. Her time as an educator spanned more than 35 years.

Ed Faulkner was also recognized not only for his dedication as an educator, but as a coach. Faulkner spent 30 years teaching social studies and business to students at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk, while also coaching basketball and softball.

Another educator honored was Florence Simon, whose teaching career took her from one side of the country to the other. Simon’s career in education included teaching nursery school and kindergarten in New York City, working as a child psychologist and researcher at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, and also as a career counselor at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona.