by Dana Incelli, sophomore, Neshaminy High School
Did you ever hear about the loudest man in the Neshaminy hallways? He wasn’t a teacher or a student; he was arguably the most boisterous hall-aide at Neshaminy – Earl Sladek. Sadly, our hall aide for three years is leaving, and starting a new life as a retired man. The sound of Mr. Sladek telling the students to “Move it!” will no longer be heard. But the life of Mr. Sladek does not just linger in the halls of Neshaminy High School.
Before he started monitoring, Mr. Sladek proudly served as a police officer for over 25 years and is also a war veteran. After the force, he then started monitoring the halls of Maple Point Middle School. He adapted relatively fast, and used his booming voice to his advantage. He walked the halls of the middle school for eight years before coming up to Neshaminy.
“He has been a part of my Neshaminy experience since eight grade,” senior Lauren Driscoll said. “It is like he is graduating with us.”
Mr. Sladek has had a variety of experiences at his job here.
“I like all of the interaction that I get to have with the students,” he confessed.
His only dislike with his job is waking up at 4:30 in the morning.
After three years, it is obvious Mr. Sladek has encountered some memorable moments from his days here. His favorite memory of Neshaminy High School was, “The talent show of 2010, when I sang and played guitar to the song ‘Kumbaya.’”
Mr. Sladek has spent a big portion of his life working, and now that he’s retired, he will have a lot more time on his hands. He will spend it with his family and grandchildren.
Otherwise, he plans to do, “Anything I want. My wife, Barbara, and I are planning to travel state side.”
“Most importantly, I want to fish! I retire Friday the 13th, and Trout Season starts on the 14th.
Mr. Sladek wants everyone to remember how he treated every student with respect and fairness, because he knew that everyone is good at heart, sometimes you just have to find it.
“I’d like to thank my fellow employees Madeline Askin and Rita Budman, who I have worked closely with, as well as all my other hall monitor friends,” Mr. Sladek said.
For now, it is time for Mr. Sladek to “Move it!” as he enters the next stage of his rewarding life.
PHOTO CAP: From left, Rita Budman, Juanita Petrucci, Earl Sladek and Madeline Askin, enjoying their last days of patrolling the halls of Neshaminy High School together. The send-off party thrown by Mr. Sladek’s co-workers, in addition to the wooden chair hand-painted by students, made his retirement a memorable occasion.
Photo by senior Randi Durkin.
