Langley principal and ambassador at large Peter Luongo is retiring from two roles, but he vows to continue working for the community he first came to as a teacher 34 years ago.
Luongo is best-known as founder and director of the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, which has served as an ambassador for Langley in places as far afield as Hawaii and Halifax. He is turning that job over to his son Paul, an ensemble alumnus.
He recently left his role as principal of Gordon Greenwood Elementary to work at the board of education office in human resources, but will retire from the school district this month. He began his career at West Langley Elementary, worked as a vice-principal at Langley Central, Alice Brown and Glenwood and has been a principal since 1998, at Langley Fundamental Middle School and Noel Booth, before going to Greenwood.
He founded the ensemble 32 years ago and his work ethic, love of music and enthusiasm was passed on to its many members over the years.
Luongo was honoured by friends, colleagues and family at a retirement party on May 24. The ensemble performed for the crowd, with a set geared toward their founder.
He told the crowd he will stay involved in the community and will keep working for a performing arts centre to be built in Langley.