After 15 years of service at South High, Mrs. Suzanne Cutrone is retiring. Before coming to South, she worked in various other settings as a nurse. 

Growing up in a time when societal and parental pressures restricted women’s career paths, Mrs. Cutrone believed her options were limited. “Nursing and teaching were the two big fields that girls were going into, and I wasn’t sure which direction I should go.” During high school, Mrs. Cutrone joined one club that had a profound impact on her: the Health Careers Club. “I had a wonderful [advisor]. We did all kinds of things, and I loved every minute of it,” she exclaimed. This experience led her to pursue a career in nursing after high school. 

Mrs. Cutrone’s first nursing position was on the surgical floor in the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. After a few years, Ms. Cutrone took some time off to raise her children. Her longest position in urgent care, where she worked for 18 years. But the hours eventually took their toll. “I was kind of getting tired of working weekends and holidays,” she explained. That’s when she learned about a school nurse position at South High. “I came here for an interview and got the job!” she said. 

Mrs. Cutrone quickly adjusted to the new routine, which often felt like the lack of one. “Every day is different,” she said. However, at its core, each day involves preparing to help students. “We may take it as whatever comes through the door, but we have to be prepared for certain responsibilities,” she explained. These responsibilities include completing paperwork, addressing state regulations, and abiding by a monthly to-do list. “Our basic daily routine is just to be here, and be ready to help the students,” she said. 

One of Ms. Cutrone’s favorite South High traditions is Halloween. “I love to come in early and take pictures. I love seeing these kids who I’ve known all these years having so much fun,” she said. 

During her time at South, Ms. Cutrone kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. “I [kept] waiting and nothing bad has ever happened. Nothing has made me want to leave here except my own decision. I work with an amazing staff, an amazing administration, and the best part is you guys, the students,” she said.

As she embarks on her retirement, she plans to continue her passion for gardening, murder mystery novels, and the outdoors. She also wishes to start volunteering with hospice, which works to ease people’s suffering during their final days of life. 

Before Ms. Cutrone leaves, she offers a few final words to the students of South: “If you want to work hard, you need to have some fun. You’ve got your whole life ahead to work. Make this the best four years of your life.”