Plato Karafelis Gives, Rather Than Gets, at Retirement Party

Dr. Plato Karafelis retired this week after 25 years as principal of Wolcott Elementary School, ending his quarter-century career in the same spirit he brought to the school during his tenure.

The Wolcott community held a retirement celebration on June 21, but rather than just a farewell party, it was held in the now-traditional Wolcott "Town Meeting" style, and was an evening filled with song, dance, and art. It was also a significant fundraiser for a West Hartford organization.
 
"On the day that I decided to retire, I read that the Food Bank was in dire need of donations, so I thought I would do my part to help out. Ending my tenure at Wolcott with a Town Meeting seemed like the right way to bring closure to my career. So we made the Town Meeting a charity event and asked for donations," Karafelis said. 

Karafelis, who is the founder of HOT Schools (Higher Order Thinking), which has been implemented at many schools throughout the country, brought the Town Meeting concept to Wolcott as a way to "celebrate each child's powerful voice" through  an informal, student-run activity that usually features elements of music and skits.

The retirement Town Meeting was attended by 350, including current many former students, and raised $7,063.  

"West Hartford's recent selection by [Family Circle magazine] as a top 10 town to raise a family mentioned the generous and giving spirit of our citizens. This was yet another example of our community rising to the occasion to support something we all believe in," said Karafelis, who on Wednesday presented the $7,063 check to Suzanne Oslander who runs the West Hartford Food Pantry.

"The Town Meeting itself was fun and it was overwhelming to see all of the families, students and friends I have built relationships with over the past 25 years. Throughout the evening, we were entertained by alumni and current students as they sang, acted, danced, played music, and shared visual art and sign language. It was a completely joyous evening," Karafelis said.