School areas dedicated to former teachers

At Wells Elementary School on September 20th, a large mix of teachers, administrators, and guests including former administrators and teachers gathered in the school’s cafeteria to celebrate the official naming of two main areas within the school for former WES teachers Kathy Calo and Karen Taylor. Their teaching careers at WES spanned 36 and 33 years respectively. Both were among those who retired from the Wells-Ogunquit CSD at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

Principal Kyle Burnell offered introductory comments about Calo and Taylor who appeared separately on the stage to speak. Burnell indicated that he had known both teachers since he was a kindergarten student at the school.

First, it was announced that the WES gymnasium will now be called the “Kathy Calo Gymnasium,” named for one who has taught physical education to students since 1986. Calo and her former students are known for raising close to $300,000 by participating in the annual American Heart Association’s “Jump Rope for Heart”.

Next, it was made known that the school’s performance stage will now be the “Karen Taylor Stage” to honor Taylor who has taught music and directed musical productions at WES since 1989. Over the years, Taylor has delighted parents, students, and many others featuring her students in annual December holiday concerts. She also directed fourth-grade students in annual and very popular musical productions of “Stars 4 Broadway.” In her remarks, Taylor acknowledged the important contributions made by the school’s PTSA to the stage’s sound and lighting systems.

“Both Kathy and Karen were tremendous educators for the CSD for over three decades,” commented Wells-Ogunquit CSD Superintendent James Daly in an email. “Our students and school community were very fortunate to have them in our school community.”

Superintendent Daly and WES Assistant Principal Theresa Curran were also present at the dedication.

After the event, Principal Burnell commented, “I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Kathy Calo and Karen Taylor. They have both made a tremendous impact on our students, families, and community. Dedicating the gymnasium and stage in their names was a special occasion for our entire school. I was thrilled for Kathy and Karen to receive this honor.”

Among the former WES administrators to attend the dedication were Marianne Horne, Diane Lang, and Ken Spinney.

Kathy Calo (at left) and Karen Taylor on stage at Wells Elementary School on September 20, 2022.