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Thank you for being an incredible teacher and mentor in my time at Starpoint! ❤️

-Sophie Burt

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Thank you for everything you have done for your students as an educator and mentor! You continue to be one of my biggest inspirations. Congratulations on a wonderful career and a life filled with music! 🤍

-Sam Stolzenburg

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Congratulations on your retirement! You made learning to play fun, and I always remember you having a smile on your face during lessons. Teaching was your calling and you were (are) amazing at it. You are one of my all-time favorites, and you deserve all the best in your retirement. Best wishes and good luck to you as you start this new journey!

~Dana Puskas Walker

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Congratulations Karen! I am going to miss your perfectly timed hugs in the hallway, but I hope you enjoy your retirement and spending time with your family!! Wishing you all the best!

-Holly Martin

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Congratulations Karen! We’ve shared so many fun and meaningful moments. I’ll never forget our middle school lunches, V-pacs, art history videos, going to Kith and Kin and getting a free cake for Sal that he could actually eat, the way you laugh at everything, and how you make everyone you meet feel special. Today is YOUR day. You are so special. ❤️❤️❤️

~ Kelly

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Congratulations on an amazing career and thank you for all of the time you spent pushing your students to do their best. We are all very proud of you 👏.

~ Sam Haag

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Congrats!! I miss you lots and you would always brighten my day when I got to see you. I hope you enjoy retirement!

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Congratulations, Ms. Russo!

You are the best music teacher I’ve ever played for, and you made it genuinely fun to be in band. Whether it was letting us pick the songs we wanted to play or me constantly fixing your projector and computer, I always had a lot of fun.

Congratulations on your retirement, and I hope you enjoy being able to do whatever you want. I’m looking forward to seeing you at future MS Walks. :)

-Cameron Prince

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I had to hop on to help celebrate such a Starpoint legend! Starting with the days when I would watch my older brother perform in middle school ensembles and Jazz band, your energy and love for music was undeniable. I will always fondly remember my Starpoint band experiences-I remember lots of laughs, and you helped me build confidence as a musician and person. Not to mention teaching foundational music skills I’d go on to use in my high school choir and musical days. Sending you love and wishing you all the best in your retirement!!

-Kristen Prohaska

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Your band room was the first place I felt comfortable in when I moved into the Starpoint district! Your energy and support made me fall in love with music and have more confidence in myself. Teachers like you made all the difference! You have made such a big impact on so many of our lives and I hope your retirement is filled with all the things you love!

-Amanda Knight (Klamut)

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Thank you for always championing my singing and love of Jazz. I proudly serve as a board member of the Queen City Jass Society who is also integral in the 1st Annual Trad Jazz Festival, Sunday, July 12th 1-7pm at Pellicano Vineyard Winery, if you’re not gigging already 😍 Everyone reading this is welcome, $10 for 3 bands! Anywho, seriously thank you for my eclectic musical taste and appreciation for the art forms and tact you always represent. I gave confidence your legacy will shine for years to come in this place, 24 years later your embodiment and dedication to us your students remains invaluable. See you in the musical circles which we share. Love, Kevin D Maerten

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Congratulations on your well deserved retirement! Thank you for mentoring Layla and the other students. You have been a tremendous positive influence on all your students. Best wishes. 

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Congratulations on your well deserved retirement! Thank you for mentoring Layla and the other students. You have been a tremendous positive influence on all your students. Best wishes. 

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-Bill Streams-

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Congratulations on so many wonderful years, Ms. Russo! We think it’s awesome you’ve taught so many siblings and families!

Your teaching inspired me to be a teacher, too. Here’s to a happy, well-deserved retirement. - Jason Barone

I always admired your passion for music, but more so your passion for sharing the joy with others! Thank you for encouraging me to be courageous, confident, and have fun along the way. Nothing but the best in retirement. -Rachel Barone

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I am so happy for you! You were easily the best music teacher I’ve ever had, and one of the best teachers I’ve ever had period! You made me and every student feel appreciated and heard, and I am so excited for your next chapter in life!

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Congratulations on an absolutely amazing career! You have touched so many hearts, including Risa’s and Leo’s 🩷💙 I hope we can hang out during retirement. 

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Congratulations on an absolutely amazing career! You have touched so many hearts, including Risa’s and Leo’s 🩷💙 I hope we can hang out during retirement. 

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-Patty Gasser

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Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for sharing your love of music with me when you first started at Starpoint. I remember our lessons in that small closet in B wing. Fun times for sure. My love for music has not left me. I haven’t been able to play the last few years due to Bells Palsey which is a bummer. I have been able though to come and watch my nephews and that makes me smile. Thanks for making Clayton and Seth Allen into the musicians they are today. I hope they continue for years to come. Enjoy the new stage in life.

Love,❤️

Melanie (Allen) Sherwood

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Mrs. Ragusa…thank you for being one of my favorite teachers! I knew I could always be myself and laugh with you. We don’t play in lessons! Air Bud! I loved music and playing the flute because you made it fun. Thank you for inspiring me to go into the education field. I try to bring humor and fun to my classes. You were just one of the best and I will never forget those memories in lessons and concerts when you couldn’t look at us without laughing. I laugh just thinking about all of it. I’m so glad we bumped into each other recently! 💜 I wish you nothing but the best in retirement. I hope we can get together to celebrate! P.S. My parents laugh about not playing in lessons too 😂 especially my Mom

-Jamie Moskal (Monaco)