Dear Saint David ’ s Community ,
“ I get great satisfaction from helping people , solving a problem , finishing a project ,” says Esther Formosa , Administrative Assistant to the Headmaster . For a quarter century , Esther has been doing all three of these things , and much more , with exceptional grace , uncanny wit , and relentless professionalism . Today , with mixed emotions – joy over her chance to enjoy a long plannedfor retirement ; sadness that she ’ s leaving us – we announce her retirement , effective April 1 , 2024 .
An ad in Our Town for a part-time worker in the Headmaster ’ s Office brought Esther to Saint David ’ s in October of 1998 . Thenreceptionist Judy Kramer greeted her with a big smile , a pat on the back , and the inside scoop : “ This is a great place to work ,” which immediately set her at ease . Esther began her Saint David ’ s journey as assistant to Stephanie Berardesca , the Administrative Assistant to then-Headmaster Dr . Maiocco , and was named Administrative Assistant to the Headmaster upon Stephanie ’ s retirement in 2001 .
There is not a square inch of Saint David ’ s that Esther has not touched , influenced , or in some way supported with her problem-solving expertise , aesthetic eye , facility with technology , or sound judgment . Her myriad accomplishments have included implementing the school ’ s first student database , co-chairing the 2012 NYSAIS Accreditation steering committee , and migrating data to Veracross during the summer of 2019 to ensure it was ready for September . Esther was also instrumental with logistics during the school ’ s Great Compression , co-designed Saint David ’ s 50th Anniversary Graduation Banner , successfully coordinated our virtual graduation in June of 2020 , and has assisted two headmasters who , believe me , really needed it . She has been an indispensable counselor . I remember on my very first day of work , dressed in a brand new suit , Esther asked , “ Where ’ s your belt ?” I replied , “ I don ’ t usually wear one .” Without skipping a beat or cracking even the hint of a smile , she said , “ You do now .” Needless to say , I ’ ve worn one every day since .
When asked about her proudest moment at the school , Esther cited the graduation of her son Warren ’ 05 . What will she miss the most about Saint David ’ s ? “ All of the people I ’ ve worked with , as well as the work itself .” She will also , in particular , miss the faculty Mozart Party , Lessons and Carols , Graduation , and walking to school in the mornings with her daughter Melanie , a member of Saint David ’ s faculty .
As Esther embarks on her retirement with her husband , Joe , in their native Malta , we express our deepest gratitude to her for her incredibly impactful service , steadfast dedication , and eagerness to assist , solve , and go the extra mile for each and every person who crossed the threshold of the Headmaster ’ s Office , whether four , forty , or a hundred years old . We will miss her ; and wish for Esther and Joe a very long and happy retirement . They deserve it .
~ Dr . O ’ Halloran ’ s letter to the community , February 2024