On December 20, 2024, Mrs. Roseanne DeFlora, Emerson Jr./Sr. High School’s Main Office Secretary, will be retiring after 25 years of service. 

Mrs. DeFlora has been an essential part of Emerson Jr./Sr. High School for many years, always bringing kindness, warmth, and dedication to her role. Her presence at the front desk has been a constant source of support for students, staff, and family members.  It was very easy to find people willing to share praise and thanks for this remarkable woman.

Special Education teacher Mrs. Annette Loblanco offers, “She has helped out for many years in the athletic department, as well with the yearly musicals with Mr. Ullman.”

Loblanco adds, “Mrs. DeFlora is a competitive person and one of her achievements is beating longtime English teacher Mrs. Hatton in Scrabble.”  (Older faculty members know that this was no easy feat.)

One of EHS’s other (newer) Main Office secretary workers, Mrs. Sharon Walsh, has elaborated on her time spent with Mrs. DeFlora, and the impact she has had on her. 

Mrs. Walsh states, “Mrs. DeFlora has had a tremendous impact on everyone that has walked through these doors; she’s been here for over 25 years, so she’s had the opportunity to touch a lot of people’s lives.   I’ve been here for a year and a half, but she has been a huge help with me transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to working in the office. And I’ve learned a ton from her in a short time.” 

Mrs. DeFlora has played a significant role in helping Mrs. Walsh transition from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming part of the Emerson Jr./Sr. High School community. With her comfort, guidance and encouragement, Mrs. DeFlora made the adjustment feel seamless and supported. Her patience and willingness to share her knowledge has given Mrs. Walsh’s confidence to take on new challenges, and find her place within the school. Mrs. DeFlora’s understanding and down-to-earth nature has created a welcoming atmosphere for not only Mrs.Walsh, but all new and old staff members.

Mrs. Natalie Rehak, one of EHS’s many science teachers, has told us her relationship with Mrs. DeFlora is not only about being co-workers, but also close friends.

She explains, “I have known Mrs. DeFlora for the entire 23 years that I have been working at Emerson, and have not only known but taught her younger kids. Outside of school we hang out a lot, and I had a really fun time with her when we went to see the The Cher Show on Broadway, and – of course –  going out for dinner and having fun girl nights. At school, I would say [it’d make me happy] just getting to enjoy her smile every morning when I would come sign in at the main office.” 

Rehak goes on to say, “For me she’s an OG Cavo, so, I mean, she’s been here the entire time I’ve been here. And I feel like for me, personally, Mrs. DeFlora has memories of being here with all the same people that I know from the past, and a lot of the newer staff don’t remember because they never knew them. So it’s really nice to have someone who kind of has that shared experience with you.” 

Mrs. DeFlora is more than just a co-worker to many teachers in our school. She is a true friend within and beyond the walls of Emerson Jr./Sr. High School. Their bonds extend outside of work, where they share time together, creating memories that go beyond their professional lives. Whether it is going out for lunch, enjoying shared hobbies, or simply supporting each other through life’s ups and downs, Mrs. DeFlora has been a constant and caring presence here. Her ability to form meaningful friendships highlights the kind of person she is – someone who brings loyalty, compassion, and joy into the lives of those around her both at work and in everyday life. 

Emerson Jr Sr High School will, for sure, not be the same without Mrs. DeFlora, but all are thankful for her gentleness and commitment that have had a permanent impact on the hearts of everyone she’s touched. 

Whether it has been her welcoming, straightforward, and helpful attitude, or her uncanny ability to ensure everything runs smoothly, Mrs. DeFlora has made a lasting impact on everyone she has interacted with. As she moves on to her next chapter, her contributions and presence here will be deeply missed by everyone, but she will always be a cherished part of the CAVO community. 

While we here at Emerson Jr./ Sr. High School say goodbye, we know this isn’t the end, it’s a new beginning to her life. 

We love and appreciate you, Mrs. DeFlora, and you will truly be missed.