With over fifty staff members employed at Veteran's Memorial Park, each individual brings their own unique qualities and strengths to the team setting. Veteran's Memorial Park creates the perfect work environment for employees to develop responsibility and characteristics that help prepare for jobs in the future. For the majority of the staff this is their first work experience as adolescents and they acquire the ability to make knowledgeable decisions as young adults. We took a look at a few alumni that truly used what they learned from their time working at VMP to further their education and make the most of their careers.

Paul Piacentini, a recent graduate of South Windsor High School, began his career at Veteran's Memorial Park the summer of 2006 and continued employment until the year 2008. Those who know Paul recognize him for his marine attire, and MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) in preparation for his military career. Currently, Paul is involved in a five year program with the Marines in the infantry as a part of the Security Forces. In the near future, he hopes to join the FBI, DEA, or U.S. Marshalls. Paul noted that working at Veteran's Memorial Park with other lifeguards helped him develop communication skills and the ability to work well as a team. As a lifeguard, constant attention is needed while in the chair to ensure the safety of patrons. With this skill, Paul excels in training with the infantry, which poses as a similar situation to his previous employment. As Paul continues his training in the Marines, we wish him the best of luck.

Katie Walsh started working at VMP in 2002 as a Gate Attendant and substitute lifeguard. She worked the next two summers as both a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor. The summer of 2005, Katie held the role of Assistant Pool Director. While working at Veterans Memorial Park, she was also attending the University of Connecticut and graduated in May of 2005 with her Masters Degree in education. She attributes her ability to be a leader as well as a team member with the other teachers to her time at the pool. Being a swim instructor gave her the confidence to successfully run her classroom. Katie now lives in Seattle, Washington working as a fourth grade teacher. In the future, she would like to teach abroad in an international school or American Military base. We are confident that Katie will be an asset as an educator wherever her travels bring her.

Former Head Swim Coach Dan Thibodeau worked at VMP for 8 years. He began as a substitute lifeguard in 1998, but after only two summers he became the Assistant Swim Coach for the Seals. After three years as an assistant and a summer off to work at Walt Disney World in Florida, Dan returned to be the head swim coach for three summers. This job he enjoyed more than anything; he still brags today about how good his team was. Dan's role as head swim coach was not only to coach his swimmers, but to also oversee two assistant swim coaches. Dan not only learned how to work well with kids as young as five-years-old, but he also gained experience as a supervisor. Currently Dan is the Home Life Coordinator at Best Buy in Wheeling, West Virginia near West Virginia University where he graduated from in 2006. Here he oversees three major departments and ten employees. Dan knows that his years at the pool prepared him for this career as he learned how to be a better people person and supervisor. While at Best Buy, Dan still keeps in touch with some of his old swimmers and parents. He loves to hear how well they are doing now and will always remembers how special it was to be a coach at VMP.

All summer staff members are crucial elements to having the pool run successfully. We at the South Windsor Recreation Department are proud of each person's accomplishments individually as well as a team, improving the rapport between the staff and the public at the pool. The staff at Veteran's Memorial Park strives to create a safe and fun environment for all to enjoy.