- November 26, 2024
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Pine Trail Elementary students of all grades filled the outdoor halls of the school on Thursday, May 24, waving colorful signs and banners in the air, with hands outstretched in anticipation of a high-five from their favorite maintenance worker, Tom Triggiani, who will be retiring at the end of the school year after dedicating 18 years of service to the school.
The school planned a surprise celebration for Triggiani, known to students and faculty as "Mr. Tom." Aside from a special spirit walk, school faculty and the PTA planned a party for him complete with cake and presents. There, they presented Triggiani with a money tree and a new Yeti cooler for him to take on his future adventures post-retirement.
For Triggiani, it was incredible to see all the students grow up throughout his years at Pine Trail.
"And then, seeing them all lined up — the whole school!" Triggiani said.
He said he never expected a celebration like that. Instead, he thought he would be pelted with water balloons.
Pine Trail Elementary principal Tami Fisher said she was sad to see Triggiani leave and that he would be hard to replace.
"It's more than just a job," Fisher said. "Tom is part of the family. We've had some great adventures."