Teachers, administration, board members and staff gathered at the high school on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate and honor this year’s group of retirees. In all, 13 individuals will be leaving the district this year. The longest employed include Mary Fleming and Paula Aja at 38 and 37 years respectively. However Starr and Gary Green boast a combined 75 years of service to the district. The shortest duration is Joyce Schipper who leaves Flowery after just six years.
But no matter the length of employment, school Superintendent Pam Martens called the moment bittersweet.
“While we are here to honor our wonderful teachers and staff members, this moment is both happy and sad as we say goodbye but wish the best for our retirees as they move into a new phase of their lives,” said Martens.
Martens went on to congratulate everyone on a successful school year and then introduce the school board members and thank those who helped make the celebration possible. Music at the party was provided by teacher Bob Gossett who performed a series of original songs for the crowd including a parody of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” with verses that included, “How many test can a teacher correct,” and “The answers are not on the SATs.”
After the entertainment, each principal gave a speech honoring the retiree(s) from their school. Retirees were given certificates and flowers. Certificates of Appreciation were also given to employees who provided extra time and service this year including Dawn Johnson-Huff, Sandy Zimmerman and Linda Tiefenthal.
The list of retirees includes:
Starr Green
Gary Green
Gail Purtell
Barbara Salisbury
Paula Aja
Barbara Goldstein
Doris Estudillo
Joyce Schipper
Dede Goddard
Mary Fleming
Caroline Matz
Charlene Thomason
Beverly Brenner
