FHUHS Class of 2010 alumnus Patrick Infurna quoted Hemingway, saying, "The world is a fine place and worth the fighting for…” He continued, “This quote from For Whom the Bell Tolls has always stood out to me. It is my reminder to stay the course, remain unjaded by circumstance, and to always look out for each other.” This philosophy has brought him opportunity and success since graduating high school thirteen years ago.
While at Fair Haven Union High School, Patrick participated on the soccer and wrestling teams. He gave credit to many great teachers in his time from Kindergarten to grade 12, but Mr. Luzer, the high school librarian, was the most influential. “I don’t think I realized how much of my time spent in the library with him was proper mentorship, and I’m grateful.” He said, “Candidly, I just wasn’t a very good student, at least not when I was a teenager, and Mr. Luzer just let me be myself in the library. He encouraged me to use the resources we had there to learn things in ways that worked for me. He spoke to me the way I needed to be spoken to in order to understand, and I think all-in-all Mr. Luzer was a friend.”
Patrick attended Castleton State College, now Castleton University, where he double-majored in Global Studies and Spanish. This focus led him to study abroad in Argentina. Upon graduation, Patrick decided to seek employment in his other passion–soccer. In 2015, he started working for Club Atletico Boca Juniors (CABJ) in Brooklyn, New York. CABJ is the largest professional soccer team in Argentina. Patrick helped establish a US-based office. Next, he worked for COPA90, a soccer media business headquartered in London with an office in New York City, traveling the world to create documentaries about professional soccer culture. Patrick currently works for a professional soccer team from Germany called Eintracht Frankfurt in its International Communications department; he markets the team in the United States. He also co-founded a minor league soccer team in Burlington, VT, called Vermont Green FC. His club prioritizes environmental justice and climate action in all of its operations. Vermont Green FC is working to expand soccer access throughout the state of Vermont. Patrick’s future plans are to continue working in the sports industry, focusing on using this medium to advance social and environmental justice.
When asked if Patrick had any words of encouragement for our current Slaters, he gave three great responses:
“1. Don’t worry too much about timelines. Be vigilant in your pursuit of your passions and of knowledge, but don’t think you need to have everything figured out at any given moment. So much is in the process - enjoy it.”
“2. Rugged individualism is not real life: you don’t have to do anything alone. Everything we are was built with the help of others. On whatever path you take, always look to the collective: family, friends, neighbors, colleagues. Ask for help, give it when you can, be grateful, and express as much.”
“3. Start a band in high school and book shows in your garages.”
Patrick acknowledges his family and friends for their constant support, and added, “If you’re reading this, come to a Vermont Green FC game sometime and check it out!”
Tonight - July 31, 2023
You're invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Special Board Meeting at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library. PARTICIPATION WILL BE
IN PERSON
VIRTUALLY CONNECT BY GOING TO
https://meet.google.com/uqa-cary-tuu?hs=224
Or dial: (US) +1 662-747-1017 PIN: 294359597
Boys & Girls Club is Hiring!
Proud of our Slaters Class of '23
For the School Year 2022-23, Slate Valley Unified Union schools worked on this goal:
Establish Community Engagement, Service, and Partnerships by providing valuable, relevant, engaging and inclusive learning experiences for a global economy.
Below is a link to a video snapshot highlighting some of the great community engagement activities that happened in our schools throughout the district, such as Open Houses, Guest Readers, Evening of the Arts, Celebrations of Learning, Lunch and Dinners with Families, Work Based Learning Opportunites, just to name a few. Thank you to our community partners and parents who contributed in making this goal achievable and successful. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/eAnPvbk3Awk
Congratulations to Vicki Shaddock on your retirement! We appreciate your many years dedicated to keeping our students safe. You deserve all the happiness during this next stage.
Thank you, Ann, for 17 years of being an amazing instructional assistant for Slate Valley. Your never-ending patience, motivation, and persistence helped many students grow. You will be missed. Congratulations on your retirement!
Congratulations to Jane Riedel, who is retiring! Jane, we appreciate your hard work and consistant dedication. Best wishes as you enter this next chapter of your life!
After 21 years of working in our district, Colleen Heibler is retiring! Colleen, we truly appreciate all your contributions through the years, you’ve earned this! Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement.
Congratulations and best wishes to Arlene Disorda who will be retiring after 23 years of dedicated service as an educator in Slate Valley. Arlene, you may be leaving our buildings, but your ethics, values, and hundreds of enlightened students will remain! Enjoy your retirement!
Congratulations to Dale Martin on her retirement! Thank you for your amazing contributions to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District. We wish you good health and happiness as you enter this next phase of life.
Congratulations and best wishes to Launee Salamin who will be retiring after 24 years working as one of our amazing instructional assistants. You’ve devoted much of your life assisting our children; look back with pride on all those little hands and hearts you helped along the way! Enjoy your retirement!
After 24 years of working in our district, Nancy Ward is retiring! Nancy, we appreciate your hard work and consistant dedication. Best wishes as you enter this next chapter of your life!
Congratulations and best wishes to Rodney Batschelet who will be retiring after 14 years working as one of the district technology integration coaches. 'Mr. B.' was integral in bringing 3D design and printing into class curriculum, and more recently he pioneered the use of VR goggles. You will be greatly missed, Mr. B! We wish you all the best in your retirement.
Congratulations to Benson Village School's Administrative Assistant, Ms. Pam Arel!
Ms. Arel is retiring after working 17 years in our district. She has worn many hats during her tenure and will be leaving some tough shoes to fill. Best wishes on a happy retirement!
It's time to celebrate our wonderful retirees! We'd like to start by congratulating one of our high school math teachers, Toni Christensen, on her retirement. Ms. Christensen retires with a total of 23 years of teaching experience. We appreciate you and wish you the best!
Where are they now Wednesday? Featuring Kristin Hubert
FHUHS Class of 1996 alumna Kristin Hubert has come full circle in her academic career. She began as a humble kindergarten student and became a superintendent of her own school district -- all while staying in Vermont.
Kristin’s education started in Castleton, where she attended Castleton Elementary School and Castleton Village School before entering Fair Haven Union High School. She credits several K-12 teachers and administrators for igniting her passion for education. “It is extremely difficult to pick just one, as I loved many, from kindergarten teacher Mrs. Stiles to high school science teacher Mrs. Peltier.” She added, “I also must give a nod to the best choral music director ever, Fran LaPlaca!”
While at Fair Haven Union High School, Kristin was a three-sport athlete, playing varsity soccer, basketball, and softball each year. She also participated in French Club and community service groups.
Kristin attended the University of Vermont where she double-majored in Elementary Education and English. She went on to earn her Master’s in School Leadership from Castleton University and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Northeastern University. Kristin began her career as an elementary and middle school teacher at Fair Haven Grade School. She then became Rutland City’s elementary school principal for a few years before moving into a central office position at Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union (RNESU) as their curriculum director. Kristin currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools at RNESU in Brandon, Vermont.
She is married to a fellow Slater, John-Henry, and has two daughters, Makenna and Addison. Kristin enjoys spending the weekends at her house on Lake Bomoseen, but is often on the go, traveling around New England to watch her daughters’ athletic events.
When asked if she had any words of encouragement for our current Slaters, Kristin said, “The great thing about school, and learning as a whole, is that it is yours. No one can take it away from you. So find what you love and forge a path forward, even if it isn't a traditional path or what others may want for you.” She continued, quoting Malcolm X, “‘Education is your passport towards the future. Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.’ You’ve got this; Slaters are unstoppable!”
Thank you, Kristin, for your commitment to education, your schools, and your students. Slater Nation is extremely proud of your accomplishments and appreciates you sharing your story!
