A legend retires
Roberta Buckmiller has worked at Naugatuck High School for 36 years and after this year, her time here will come to an end. After all those years, she has decided to retire and go on to pursue her excellence in other capacities.
During her time at NHS she taught physical education, health, and 17 years ago she started teaching Teen Leadership. In addition, she coached girls’ tennis, was the girl’s athletic association advisor, and was assistant athletic director for five years.
She first learned about Teen Leadership through a program called Capturing Kids’ Hearts, where she learned that you cannot get to a child’s head until you get to their heart. She made it her goal to implement the Teen Leadership Program and Naugatuck and succeeded.
In the past 36 years, Mrs. Buckmiller has made a huge impact on the lives of many students, staff, parents, and everyone in between, myself included. I can confidently state that she played a critical role in my development as a leader and in my success.
For those who have been lucky enough to get to know Mrs. Buckmiller, you know that she is generous, kind, positive, and very passionate about everything she is involved in.
It is sad to see her go, but she will continue to do great things in her retirement. She plans to focus on spending more time with her family as well as continuing her passion for skiing and summers on the Cape.
Thank you Mrs. Buckmiller for all you have done for Naugatuck.
Alicia wallenta • Jun 11, 2017 at 11:03 pm
Mrs. Buckmiller was one of the most amazing people I’ve met in my life. You didn’t need to have her in a class, you just needed to be in her presence for a couple minutes to feel her heart and her genuine intention. She wanted to make a change and have a positive impact on the young population and she did just that. She was a unique and incredible example of what we should all strive to be.. she was an amazing role model. She taught us all to love ourselves and more importantly love others.. and not only by teaching teen leadership but by showing us herself.. I hope she knows how precious she is and that she made a bigger impact than she could imagine. She is the good I hope to see in the world every day.
Skip Zonas • Jun 11, 2017 at 9:16 pm
Hey Roberta!
I am so happy for you! What a remarkable career you have led… You are such a kind , passionate person and, I am sure you have lead so many young men and women in a positive direction in life. What an awesome legacy!
I wish for you all that happiness has to offer, and more…
God Bless you my friend…
Skip
Pat Syvertsen • Jun 11, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Roberta is a very special woman…strong, vibrant, caring, enthusiastic, and the best friend Paul and I could have.. I’m proud to call her my friend and wish her nothing but happiness and contentment in retirement!
Elaine Pruchnicki • Jun 11, 2017 at 9:52 am
Couldn’t have said it better. Roberta is not just a teacher, but an amazing person. Her kindness and knowledge will live on through her students.
Dan Cimino • Jun 10, 2017 at 3:45 pm
Roberta , congratulations on your past accomplishments and retirement. I want to wish you good luck, and enjoy your future endeavors. I assume and hope this means I’ll see you and Terry more often. All the best, Dan Cimino
Jayne McKnack • Jun 9, 2017 at 9:26 am
My former student and colleague deserves a wonderful retirement.
She has contributed so much to Naugatuck High and earned the respect and admiration of all of us who were privileged to know her and work with her.
Treasure each year that is to come, Roberta.