Retiring Educators Honored

Retiring educators in Geary USD 475 were honored during a ceremony Tuesday evening at Junction City Middle School.

A bell is presented during the Retirement Recognition Ceremony to each retiring employee.

One of those was Melinda Martin, music teacher at Westwood Elementary School. “I would just like to say that I have experienced a lot of joy, and it’s been quite a privelige to work for this District.”

Penelope Macumber is retiring from her journalism teaching post at Junction City High School. She read a qoute from Senator Bob Dole. “When it’s all over it’s not who you were. It’s whether you made a difference.” Macumber added, “All of my colleagues and my friends made that difference in my life, and I hope I’ve done the same for my students.”

Westwood Elementary School principal Shelly Hoyle Kite is retiring. She noted it had been a wonderful career in USD 475. “And I’ve enjoyed my years of service to our District. I love the people, but most of all I love the children. The children come first, and that’s why I’ve been in this business for 40 years.”

Others who are retiring include Pamela Asbury, Linda Benner, David Carlson, Ray Kruse, Lynn Kruse, Linda Clark, Vallery Graham, Mary Rhoads, Sarajane Shubert, Sonia Sittingdown, and Ronnie Whalen.