CAIRO – The Cairo-Durham Central School District is proud to announce the March 2024 recipient of the “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” is Karen’s Flower Shoppe owner Karen Gallo (‘79).
Gallo, whose Cairo-based business has been a staple to the community for 40 years, has continued to leave a positive impact on those she interacts with since graduating from Cairo-Durham. Today, Gallo can be seen as a board member of Greene County Chamber of Commerce and putting beautiful arrangements together for customers to celebrate momentous occasions.
“Networking with other businesses, I’ve come to realize through the years how many locally owned businesses can survive and make a living in our hometowns. Many of these businesses are owned and operated by Cairo-Durham graduates,” Gallo said. “In my particular type of business, I’m able to make people smile and bring happiness into their lives on a daily basis. Whether it’s a new birth, birthday, graduation, wedding, anniversary or any occasion for gift giving, flowers are given to celebrate.”
Gallo recalls being an active participant in activities and clubs at Cairo-Durham High School, including being the class treasurer in her junior and senior years, scorekeeping for the girls volleyball team, playing in the high school band, singing in the chorus and being an active cast member in plays and musicals.
Additionally, Gallo had the opportunity in high school to study horticulture under the Greenville Central School District’s BOCES program for two years, jumpstarting her passion for the field. Gallo said her time as a Mustang was a memorable experience that shaped her for her career path and life of leaving customers satisfied with products she takes great care of in preparing.
As a Cairo-Durham student, I enjoyed my years as a Mustang. I was given the opportunity to interact with the most devoted and kind teachers. We respected our teachers, knew our principal and knew we would always be safe,” Gallo said. “There isn’t a thing I could complain about, it was truly a great experience and I wouldn’t change my high school years for anything.”
After establishing herself as a friendly and trustworthy face in the community, Gallo left some words of encouragement and advice for future generations of Mustangs.
“Learn the most you can in high school and pursue your dreams,” Gallo said. “There are so many avenues to explore these days, so learn and turn your ambitions into reality.”
In an effort to bridge the community and the Cairo-Durham Central School District, the “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” was created to provide an opportunity for community members to nominate members of the Cairo-Durham Class of 2018 or prior who have made an impact in the community, embrace Cairo-Durham pride and serve as role models to future generations of Mustangs to be recognized on the District’s platforms.
Nominations for the May 2024 “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” are officially open and can be submitted at the link below by Friday, June 14, 2024 at 3 p.m. Past nominations will also be considered in the selection process. Click here to submit a nomination for May 2024.
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