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Brooklyn Principal Retires After 50 Years At JHS 201

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Madeleine Brennan got a grand send-off on Wednesday, after 50 years as principal of Junior High School 201 in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

Students chanted her name and some teachers on staff cried at the retirement celebration for Brennan.

"They are the most professional, dedicated hard-working teachers that any principal would die for," she told WCBS 880's Paul Murnane.

Brooklyn Principal Retires After 50 Years

When Brennan took over at the helm, JFK was in the White House and they were still building the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

She had already been a teacher and administrator for years.

Principal Madeleine Brennan retires
JHS 201 honors principal Madeleine Brennan, who is retiring after 50 years at the helm. (credit: Paul Murnane/WCBS 880)

Former PTA president Penny Santo said she'd like to name the school in Brennan's honor.

"She hasn't changed her views. The kids come first," Santo told Murnane.

Brennan said many former students have gone on to become doctors, lawyers and other professionals.

"I'm proud of that," she said.

State Sen. Martin Golden, local officials and some former students were also on hand for Brennan's retirement party.

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