To celebrate Clara H. Carlson School Principal Stacia Walfall and her 26 years of dedicated service to the district, the school community came together on June 24 for a heartfelt Broadway-inspired musical tribute, The Final Curtain: Honoring Mrs. Walfall,” under the direction of assistant principals Richard Mansfield and Samantha Magaraci. 

Students from every grade level took the stage to perform songs in her honor, with younger scholars delighting the audience with renditions of Disney-favorites “Hakuna Matata” and “You'll Be in My Heart,” while upper-grade students delivered show-stopping performances inspired by “The Greatest Showman” and “Hamilton.” The celebration also featured a touching video montage highlighting memorable moments from Mrs. Walfall’s career. 

Special guests in attendance included Mrs. Walfall’s family members and children, Superintendent of Schools Marlon Small, Jamaica Square Improvement League President Claudine Hall and building administrators from throughout the district. Former Superintendent and Mrs. Walfall’s mentor, Kenneth Rosner, was also in attendance and shared heartfelt remarks recognizing her lasting impact on the school community.

Student Council members added a personal touch by presenting An Open Letter to My Principal, weaving together familiar Broadway lyrics and heartfelt messages of gratitude to thank Mrs. Walfall for her years of leadership, guidance and unwavering support.

The celebration concluded with a fitting Broadway finale as the school's Social-Emotional Learning team hosted a Tony Awards-inspired presentation, surprising Mrs. Walfall with the Tony Award for Best Director in recognition of her outstanding leadership and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.

“To my students, please remember that I love you,” Mrs. Walfall said during her closing remarks. “Thank you for the years and everything that you have taught me.”