Melissa Alex
Class of 1996
What did you do immediately after graduating from ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø?
College - SUNY Albany
What are you doing currently?
Stay at home mom, PFA president for 5th Avenue Elementary school (5 years)
What is your favorite memory of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø?
I have had the privilege of growing up in ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø, teaching in ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø, living in ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø as an adult and raising my family in ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø. The memories are infinite... my favorite memory is a compilation of many memories. I ran track for ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø and continued running in college, in my 20s and through having children. My favorites memories are all my runs throughout town and the people I would see and wave to, passing the businesses that have grown and changed over decades, running past homes that I grew up hanging out in or students I taught and now belong to families with kids who are my kids friends or students who have grown into remarkable adults or just running to the water (Bay) and getting moments to just breathe in the beauty of living on the south shore.
Were there any ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø teachers or staff members you felt made a positive difference in your life?
Anne Gerken - 5th grade
Tudi Moldestead - 3rd grade
Mr. Morrison - HS English
Mr. Guzas- 9th grade Math
Luis Pena - HS Track coach
Mrs. Bettinelli - 7th grade Science
How do you feel your time in ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø helped you prepare for life after ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø?
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø is such a unique community to grow up in. When you grow up here, you have confidence, perspective, and incredible relationships and bonds.
What sports or clubs were you involved with?
Track, Cross Country, Honor Society
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your time in ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø or your life after graduation?
Returning to ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø as a teacher was a gift. I was able to see ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø from a totally different perspective than as a student... I learned so much about the unique world ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø is. I feel so grateful for my relationships with students and friendships with my colleagues during my decade teaching in the Middle School.
Having my children attend ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø schools has been wonderful. I have been given another gift of being involved with the PFA. It is incredible to be on yet another vantage point of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø - raising my children and being involved in their schools as a parent. I have been able to make an impact for all students to enrich the school through PFA events, create relationships with so many teachers and most of all, see my children in school as they navigate their own ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø memories.
Current as of 1/3/2022