Mayfield Central School inducted Orletta LaVada and the late Charlotte K. Brunetto into its honorary Wall of Dedication in a special ceremony held on Monday, Oct. 6 in the Jr/Sr High School auditorium.
The Wall of Dedication honors people who have made a significant contribution to the students of the Mayfield community. The ceremony took place in front of an audience of past and present staff members, students, parents, friends, family and community members.
Orletta LaVada started her career at Mayfield Elementary School in 1972 as a teacher’s aide and later worked as the elementary secretary where she was known for her cheerful and conscientious attitude and work ethic. She was an active participant in the PTA and was often found at athletic events and music programming.
LaVada was dedicated to making sure students in need always felt included and were able to participate in activities; she didn’t want anyone to feel left out. Her commitment to struggling students and their families led her to start the “Warm Box”, a box of donated warm clothing available to any child who might otherwise not have what they needed in the cold winter months.
Reflecting on her work, she said, “I tried to do a good job and always had a soft spot in my heart for the underprivileged kids.”
LaVada retired in 2003 and will always be remembered as an advocate for the children that needed it most.
Charlotte K. Brunetto was a teacher, coach, mentor, and safe space for hundreds of students and staff while teaching in the district. During her 25 years at Mayfield she made a positive impact on the students in her classroom, always striving to make sure each one felt loved and included.
A fan of the performing arts, Brunetto was integral in expanding the summer recreation program to include music and drama programming; established the Precision Team – an all-inclusive cheer and dance group that allowed students of all skill levels to perform; and regularly incorporated music in her classroom routine to establish expectations and to give directions.
Brunetto’s influence on the Mayfield community extended beyond the classroom. She was a strong supporter of extracurricular activities and would attend sporting events, concerts, drama club productions, parades, honor society inductions, prom walks and graduations. She was always one of the first people to reach out and contribute to Mayfield families during times of crisis.
Charlotte K. Brunetto passed away in 2024, causing her family and friends to pause and reflect on the life of their beloved mother and the mark she left on Mayfield Central School District.
The Wall of Dedication is on display in the Jr/Sr High School Auditorium and recognizes members going back to the first induction in 2004. Past recipients have been chosen for making a significant contribution to the youth of the Mayfield community; for going above and beyond what is ordinary; for being a positive role model; and for demonstrating a high level of conscientiousness and caring for others. To nominate someone, please visit https://www.mayfieldk12.com/board-of-education/wall-of-dedication/ or call the Mayfield Central School District Office at (518) 661-8222.