Debbie Buonocore:
CLASS OF 1977
Bob Jones AcademyClass of 1977
Greenville, SC
Monmouth Junction Elementary SchoolClass of 9999
Monmouth junction, NJ
St. Mary of Mount Virgin SchoolClass of 1997
New brunswick, NJ
Lawrence Brook Elementary SchoolClass of 1991
East brunswick, NJ
Churchill Junior High SchoolClass of 1990
East brunswick, NJ
Debbie's Story
Life
Lou and I live in the same county we both grew up in - but closer to Princeton. We've been married 25+ years. I teach a 5th grade "inclusion" class in the South Brunswick public schools system ('LOVE my job!) and Lou is a Construction Code Offical in a neighboring town. My job has taken me to San Antonio, TX, St. Louis, MO and Princeton University as a student. I thrive on the challenges!
At home, we keep busy with our three cats, traveling in our RV, and with our church. Singing in the choir, helping with hospitality and organizing and teaching Children's Church are just a few things I do there.
I also keep active politically - in the Republican Party, of course! (~'love ya, Dubya!) Our extended family is growing - we have twelve nieces & nephews, and seven "greats" - 2 great nieces, and 4 g-nephews! Two nieces were married and moved to Michigan; and one of them is expecting the first great on MY side of the family - so our family continues to grow & move to other areas of the US!
I've met the President, and had my photo taken with him and Mrs. Bush. I've also met and been photographed with Mike Huckabee and John McCain, so either one of them was my "vote" for GOP candidate. My family is politically active, so I have many opportunities... I'm hoping to visit a few more Presidential Museums and libraries in the next year.
My Mom went home to Heaven seven years ago, (Dec. 04) after two years of severe debiliatation after a major stroke - I'm proud that we kept her at home; My sister Ruth, oldest brother Tom and I "nursed" her throughout... probably the toughest trial I've ever faced, but wonderful memories...I have no regrets. My father, is gone on to Heaven now, too- almost five years ago. (Jan. 2007). I miss him terribly. We spent a lot of time together in the last four years of his life. He was a wonderful father and friend. I especially miss clothes shopping with him, sleeping over at his condo, and traveling with him - he was a speed demon to the end! "No one will give Me a speeding ticket ...I'm a minister!"
School
I attended Willett School in South River - but only up through fourth grade -My Kindergarten teacher was Mrs. Tracey, who I loved dearly. I had a few others who were good, too: Mrs. Grayson, Miss Horowitz, and Miss Blonkowski. In Fifth grade, I transferred to a Private, christian School - Timothy Christian in Piscataway, where I spent 5th - 8th grades a...Expand for more
nd 10th grade as well. Then on to bja in Greenville, SC for my final year of high school and first year of University.
Who could ever forget Mrs. Vis? (7th & 8th) She probably made the most impact on my life in school - I think of her often as I teach; trying to be fair, humorous, and friendly - just like she was! She made me believe in myself, which I really had never done before -and even struggled with afterwards! I hope to inspire MY students the way she inspired me! By the way, I keep in touch with her through letters... anyone want her address?
College
In some ways, college WAS a waste of the so-called "best years" of my life. In other ways, I made lasting friendships- that I never would have had otherwise! (Sue C., Julie, Marla, Pam, Dawna) Academically, it WAS a waste of my time - I won't say effort - I doubt I ever exerted any effort at college. ~ Wrong motivations & influences while there.
After working in medical offices and then for an airline, I taught preschool for a few years, then Physical Education for about three more, and then decided to expand my horizons and go into the elementary classroom. I've never looked back.
Thankfully, I went back for a Master's degree after many years of teaching. Now I am involved with the local union as a Union Rep. in my bldg., and as a delegate to the National NEA Convention. I've been a delegate to the convention in Philly and Washington, DC, San Diego, New Orleans and most recently, Chicago this summer...! Awesome time there! The photo above is me with the current President and Vice-pres. of the NEA - Dennis and Lily.
Future Plans...
Lou & I LOVE Arizona and keep talking of retiring to live part-time in AZ - the Olde West calls to us. (Although I could NEVER leave NJ totally) We just returned from another trip there - went to the Grand Canyon, Williams, Jerome, Tuzigoot, and Montezuma's Castle as well as visiting in the Phoenix area with family. We also had the chance to attend a GOP - NO, NOT the Republican party - "Gathering of the Posses", a six-shooter match. 'Enjoyed meeting up with a childhood friend there, who organized the match. WE both had a chance to shoot out in the desert with his friend, shotguns, pistols, AK-47's etc.. I may have to buy myself a gun (Lou already has two) - Is that allowed in New Jersey?!!
I need to register for one quickly before it becomes illegal.
` I look forward to hearing from old friends and schoolmates!
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