Principal Cristi Fields had heard Schiavone read Robert D. San Souci’s “The Talking Eggs” and came away convinced no one could tell a story better.
“Her many talents will be missed at Beverly Gardens and never replaced,” Fields said during an after-school ceremony on Oct. 22 dedicating a special bench to honor the memory of the 45-year-old teacher who lost her battle to breast cancer on Feb. 18.
Schiavone’s husband, Dan, son, Gio, 13, and daughter, Sydney, 11, of Beavercreek, were given the honor of uncovering “Lori’s Bench,” outside the school near the main entrance.
“She loved the kids. She loved teaching. To have this, it means a lot,” her husband said, after the touching ceremony attended by more than 50 of her friends and colleagues.
A plaque featuring a smiling Schiavone hangs in the library honoring her years of service to the Mad River Local School District. She taught there from 1987 through 2008 when she took a leave of absence due to her illness.
Superintendent Mike Eaglowski said Schiavone had a great impact on many children and staff and he hopes the bench gives students and staff a place to think, pray, read or talk with friends.
Special needs aide Tina Anderson, whose son Brenden, now 12, was in Schiavone’s class, called her a “fabulous, fabulous, fabulous teacher” and said she “touched the children like no one could.” Turning to Schiavone’s family, she added, “Thank you for sharing her with us.”
Krista Greer of Vandalia thanked the staff for the way they chose to remember her older sister.
“I think it’s just a wonderful thing you’ve done for her,” she said. “She’d be greatly honored.”
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