The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

FE Miley Elementary bid farewell to three retiring staff members last week. Cinda Pearson, Alma Terry, and Cheryl Ostrom were celebrated at their retirement party on the last day of the 22-23 school year. Laughter and tears abounded as each spoke of their love for the school, its staff, the community, and the students.

Alma started the goodbyes with a speech thanking her coworkers. "I have had 27 years of great memories! I want to give a special thank you to my two co-retirees! Cheryl and I have been roommates/coworkers, and we are still good friends! Cinda, the school is going to miss you!! If I ever had a question or need, whether it benwork or personal, you always had an answer or an ear! I have been so blessed to work with such great people! Janitors, secretaries, cooks, paras, and last but not least, these phenomenal teachers! Our students are so blessed to have such caring, loving people here to educate them! I am excited for the next chapter in my life!"

Cinda spoke second, sharing thanks for 17 years of memories and friendship. "The bittersweet of retirement time is here. I want to use this opportunity to say that serving you, the purple and gold Pioneer Family, has sincerely been an honor and a pleasure. Raising children with all of you and our community has been a joy. My favorite line that I would say to our kiddos is "take care of your brain, so it can take care of you'. I truly appreciate each of you for helping each kiddo take care of their brain and their future. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Alma and Cheryl O. for wholeheartedly serving the Pioneer family. Sharing retirement with great people like Alma and Cheryl will be a good memory. Alma and Cheryl, I wish you happy trails." Cinda closed her speech by handing out her "signature" ice packs to the staff, a reference to the fact that students have been going to her for bear shaped ice packs for years. "Elementary staff please, for reals, get a Boo Boo Bear ice pack from me before you leave, to remind you, that even though I am moving on to new adventures, you will always be in my heart and prayers."

Cheryl began her farewell with the simple statement she made over and over again throughout the afternoon: "I appreciate every one of you." Time and again, she spoke of how much the relationships she developed with her coworkers meant to her. "I would have never done this job if I didn't have the support I've gotten at this school. I would have never dreamt in my lifetime that I would work with children. I was given that opportunity..." At this moment a coworker called out, "and you're awesome at it!" to the approval of the entire staff. She went on to explain that her career before the school was as much as she could ask for. "And then I came here and this was my job. This was the place I wanted to be for these last years. I will tell everybody: 'You should have children.' You should walk into these teachers' classrooms and spend time with them.'" She went on to explain that anyone who has ever sat and watched our teachers work gains a new and deeper appreciation for the work they do. "What they give up and what they give out."

I spoke with other teachers in attendance and got the recurring comment that they

were all deeply saddened by their retiring friends' departure and worried how the culture would continue without these "landmark" personalities in the mix. Friends and families of the retirees spoke of time spent traveling, enjoying life, and playing with grandkids.

The event served double duty as a goodbye party for three departing teachers, who will be moving on to different jobs in the coming school year. Shelbi Darlington (5th Grade), Katie Hanson (1st Grade), and Sydnie Stellpflug (2nd Grade) will not be teaching at the elementary school next year. They are all well loved by their coworkers and students.