As the school year draws to a close, Warwick Public Schools face a bittersweet moment: the retirement of two extraordinary leaders, Lynn Dambruch and Patricia Cousineau. For decades, these two individuals have poured their hearts and souls into serving the young people of our community, and their departure marks the end of an era that has profoundly shaped the educational landscape of Warwick.

My own connection to their impact began early in my career, in 1997, when I served as the program assistant for MENTOR RI’s Warwick Mentor Program (then the Chamber Education Foundation). It was through my volunteer work as a mentor at Robertson Elementary School that I first encountered the exceptional leadership of Lynn Dambruch. As principal, Lynn didn't just administer a school; she cultivated a vibrant, welcoming community where students thrived and volunteers felt genuinely valued partners. I vividly recall the tangible "kid-centered vibe" of Robertson under her guidance – a quality that, I soon realized, was a direct reflection of her unique and deeply caring approach.

Even as my career path led me to become CEO of MENTOR RI, my connection with Lynn remained strong. Her unwavering support for the mentor program was evident, perhaps most poignantly when the program faced complete defunding in 2018. It was Lynn who personally delivered the difficult news, a testament to her empathy and her deep understanding of the program's vital role in the lives of students. Together, we navigated the challenging aftermath, eventually working to restore a portion of the funding, driven by our shared commitment to providing crucial positive relationships for Warwick's youth.

Later, I had the privilege of witnessing Lynn's leadership on a broader scale during her tenure as superintendent of schools. As co-chair of the “Building Warwick's Future” campaign, advocating for the construction of much-needed new high schools, I saw firsthand her unwavering dedication to the long-term needs of our students and the community. Even in the face of opposition, Lynn remained a steadfast and articulate champion for these vital projects, always keeping the best interests of the children at the forefront.

My interactions with Patricia Cousineau have been equally impactful. As principal of Warwick Neck Elementary School, Patti fostered another exemplary school environment characterized by a positive and supportive culture. This commitment to creating thriving learning spaces continued when she became director of elementary education, where our paths intersected through the Warwick Mentor Program.

One particular moment stands out, illustrating the depth of Patti's character. Following the sudden and devastating loss of our beloved Mentor Program Coordinator, Pamela Sherman, Patti's immediate response was one of profound compassion and unwavering support. Her simple yet powerful words, "We've got this. We will help run the program while you grieve and regroup," spoke volumes about her selflessness and her deep commitment to the well-being of our students and the continuity of the program. It was an act of extraordinary kindness that I will never forget.

Witnessing Patti's interactions with her teachers and her unwavering focus on enhancing the quality of education for every child has been truly inspiring. Her exceptional organizational skills, coupled with her genuine passion for the students of Warwick, have made her an invaluable asset to our school system.

As Lynn Dambruch and Patricia Cousineau embark on their well-deserved retirements, profound gratitude is felt for their decades of dedicated service. Their leadership, their empathy and their unwavering commitment to the students of Warwick have created a lasting legacy that will continue to shape our community for generations to come. Their presence will be deeply missed, and the positive impact they have had on countless lives will endure. Their future is wished to be filled with joy, fulfillment and the knowledge that their contributions have truly made a difference.

Jo-Ann Schofield is former CEO of MENTOR RI.