High school counselor Mr. Laszlo Engel has had an impressive career at Dryden Central School District. This year, he celebrated 30 years tenure with the district, and 27 consecutive years as head coach of the boys varsity soccer team. 

As a coach and a counselor for so many years, there is no shortage to his impact on his students, players, friends and colleagues. Mr. Engel will be deeply missed when he retires in December, and to honor his impact and the joy he brings to so many, our MS/HS staff threw a surprise “Mr. Engel Day” in October, dressing up as our beloved staff member. 

This surprise celebration was organized by School Psychologist Cara Smith, and included dressing like Mr. Engel, mustaches and lanyards included! 

This was a fun way to show Mr. Engel just how much he is loved and appreciated and will be missed after he retires. District Superintendent Joshua Bacigalupi says, “while we have all been lucky enough to call Lazslo a colleague for as long as each of has been here; he has also been lucky enough to be surrounded by people who care about him as a person, recognize his amazing contributions to our District and community, and want to celebrate him and his career as he prepares to update his last set of transcripts... It is things like this that make me proud of our District, our staff, and how we celebrate each other.”

Thank you Mr. Lazslo Engel for your service to our District, our students, and our community, and for your remarkable #LionPride. You will be missed, but you will always have a home in The Pride! Congratulations on your retirement, and enjoy the next chapter! 

Check out our Facebook album for photos from Mr. Engel Day! 

Also check out ESPN Ithaca’s feature on Coach Engel.