Closing out more than two decades of service on the Cranston School Committee, Michael Traficante is leaving behind a legacy of leadership and public service.

Monday night, Traficante was honored for his dedicated service as chairman of the School Committee. He first began his term on the committee in 2004 – and that wasn’t his first stint in elected office.

Traficante has had a long and strong dedication to public service. He was mayor of Cranston for about 14 years before his time on the School Committee.

Now, he heads back to city government as the new city councilman for Ward 5, replacing Councilman Christopher G. Paplauskas, who reached his term limit.

During Monday’s School Committee meeting, Traficante received an award thanking him for his service and wishing him well in his new role.

Cranston Schools Supt. Jeannine Nota-Masse said Traficante has helped shape Cranston and its people in many meaningful ways.

“To so many of us, Mr. Traficante has been more than a leader,” Nota-Masse said. “He has been a mentor and an inspiration. Even now, his wisdom, integrity and unwavering belief in the power of collaboration and public education have influenced countless individuals, including me.”

Some people also sent in comments honoring Traficante for his work and service. Councilman Daniel Wall, a former School Committee chairman, said Traficante had been a mentor and friend for more than a decade.

He said Cranston had become a better place because of Traficante, according to Vice Chairman Domenic F. Fusco Jr., who read Wall’s comments.

Fusco also went on to present Traficante with a plaque from the School Committee recognizing his leadership, dedication to education and 20-year-long service.

Buddy Croft, a longtime colleague and friend of Traficante, was overwhelmed with emotion when honoring his friend. He stood to give Traficante a hug in a poignant moment.

“Being the one guy [on] the stage that has known you the longest, has been with you and spent all those years in City Hall with you, the book you were talking about, I too could write,” Croft said. “There is nothing I could say tonight that would show how much I love and appreciate you.”

School Committee member Anthony Melillo shared a quote by legendary football coach Vince Lombardi that he said captures the essence of Traficante. He shared Lombardi’s quote about a man’s commitment to a way of life and how his greatest strength is called heart power.

“Traf, your heart power has been a force that has propelled this city and its schools to greater heights,” Melillo said. “On behalf of Cranston and myself, we thank you for your tireless dedication, your wisdom and your boundless heart. As you step away from this role, know that your impact is immeasurable and your legacy will endure in the classroom boardrooms and the hearts of all who have had the privilege to work alongside you.”

Traficante briefly spoke about his time on the committee ending and the work he has been able to do with support from committee members.

“Over the past 20 years as a member of the School Committee, I had the pleasure and the honor of working alongside several dozen very caring and professional School Committee members and a number of other people,” Traficante said. “And the thing is, God's been good to me. And I say without hesitation or reservation that you, superintendent, have assembled a very professional and effective team around you.”

Traficante wasn’t the only honoree of the night. Outgoing School Committee members Frank Ritz and Buddy Croft and administrative assistant Deborah Hayden were also honored Monday night for their service and dedication.

Several School Committee members took the time to thank each departing member for their work.

Keith Catone thanked Frank Ritz Jr. for his work on the parks and recreation committee, citing his work in improving playgrounds.

Nota-Masse thanked Croft for his “refreshing” candor. Several other members also noted Croft’s frankness and thanked him for making his thoughts heard during meetings.

“Thank you for all of the time and effort that you have spent with us, too, and providing us a much-needed realignment of our opinions and a unique perspective on things,” Nota-Masse said.

Traficante honored Hayden, thanking her for her service and support as his administrative assistant. 

“When I was mayor of the City of Cranston, I always said that you were as good as the efficiency of your secretaries,” Traficante said. “And as a committee, we've been spoiled for the past several years to have such a caring and professional administrative assistant like Debbie.”

In other news, the committee also congratulated Andrea DiCicco, an English teacher at Cranston High School East who received an honor from the Boston Globe and Fenway Sports recognizing her above-and-beyond service in education this year.

The next School Committee meeting will be a public work session at 6 p.m. Jan. 7. The next regular meeting will be 6 p.m. Jan. 23.