Joanne Nolette Recognized at Green Meadow Flag Day Ceremony

Jun 13, 2024 | District, Green Meadow

Green Meadow Secretary Joanne Nolette, who is retiring at the end of this school year, was recognized at a Flag Day ceremony on Thursday and presented with the American flag that had been flown at Green Meadow Elementary School.

Green Meadow Secretary Joanne Nolette, who is retiring at the end of this school year, was recognized at a Flag Day ceremony on Thursday and presented with the American flag that had been flown at Green Meadow Elementary School.

Green Meadow Elementary School hosted a Flag Day ceremony in front of the school on Thursday morning as the American flag flying above the school was replaced with a new one by members of VFW Post 7337.

The event was organized by Green Meadow Student Council and included students sharing facts about Flag Day, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, and playing of patriotic music such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

Students and staff watched quietly as the flags were changed out.

The school’s old flag was presented to Secretary Joanne Nolette who is retiring at the end of the school year. She has worked for the East Greenbush Central School District since 1996, first as a monitor at Red Mill Elementary School and then for the last 25 years as a secretary in the Green Meadow main office.

“It was an honor to present Joanne with the flag that has flown over Green Meadow,” said Principal Daniel Garab. “She has been a fixture in the main office for decades and touched the lives of thousands of students, staff, and parents. Her dedication, talents, and sense of humor will be missed.”

Once the new flag reached the top of the flagpole, students and staff applauded and the VFW members saluted the flag.

“Flag Day is a celebration of the emblem that unites us, a reminder of the ideals that bind us together as a nation, and a symbol of the sacrifices made to protect the freedoms it represents,” said 2nd Grade Teacher and Student Council Co-Advisor John Flanagan. “This year’s Flag Day ceremony was very special as we honored our beloved secretary Joanne Nolette. The flag presented to her today has flown over Green Meadow since Veterans Day. Since that time the flag has flown at half mast for numerous reasons, and especially in memory of Casey Frankoski, Joanne’s niece.”