The Lyons Central School District bids a heartfelt farewell to Amy Buel, an extraordinary school counselor at Lyons Elementary School. After over 15 years of dedicated service, Ms. Buel, beloved by her students and colleagues alike, has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the Lyons community.
Before joining LCSD, Ms. Buel worked extensively in addiction, bereavement, and family counseling for adults. However, she recognized that the foundation for success and well-being begins earlier in life. Inspired by her daughter, Allison, Ms. Buel returned to school to pursue her passion for school counseling, determined to make a difference in the lives of children. This decision transformed countless lives and became the cornerstone of her remarkable career.
At Lyons Elementary School, Ms. Buel was more than a counselor; she was a source of unwavering support, inspiration, and encouragement. Her passion for student success extended well beyond regular school hours, as she consistently devoted her time to helping students grow into their best selves. Whether collaborating with colleagues or spearheading new initiatives, her commitment to the students of LCSD was unparalleled.
Among her many contributions, Ms. Buel’s favorite memories include visiting classrooms with superhero capes to “save their peers from bullying” as part of the Stop Bullying initiative. Her afterschool programs, such as the Pokémon Club and LEGO building competitions, brought joy and camaraderie, fostering student creativity and connection. Additionally, she championed the Peace Ambassadors program, empowering students to promote kindness and resolve conflicts within their school community.
A cornerstone of her career has been the strong relationships she has built with her colleagues, many of whom have become like family—supporting each other through both joyful and challenging times. Ms. Buel also highlighted several friends, including her best friend, school psychologist Jill Norris, who has helped keep her focused and balanced throughout the years.
As Ms. Buel looks forward to her well-deserved retirement, she is excited to spend more time gardening, a hobby that harkens back to her childhood working in a greenhouse. She finds joy in this “full-circle moment” and anticipates nurturing her garden and traveling to see family and friends.
While saying goodbye is bittersweet, Ms. Buel takes comfort in knowing that her successor, David Abraham, is well-prepared to continue her legacy: “I will miss the work, but I feel reassured knowing I’m handing everything off to Mr. Abraham. I trust that our staff and students will be in great hands with him.” remarks Ms. Buel. Having interned with Ms. Buel and LCSD over the past year, Mr. Abraham has already built strong relationships with students and staff. Ms. Buel’s confidence in his abilities ensures a seamless transition and a bright future for the counseling program at Lyons Elementary School.
On behalf of the entire Lyons Central School District community, LCSD would like to thank Ms. Buel for her years of dedicated service, unwavering passion, and the countless lives she has touched. We wish her all the best in this next chapter of her journey.