Muncy School district celebrated retiring teachers on Friday, June 8 at Myers Elementary cafeteria. Left to right: School board president, Tom Gardner; Judy Davis, special education teacher for grades 7-12; Carol Walker Title I teacher; Bill Ramsey, principal at Myers Elementary; and Superintendent Portia Brandt. Missing from photo is Mark Temons, physical education teacher.

MUNCY – An end of year celebration to honor retired teachers and to give out teacher awards was held Friday morning June 8 at the Myers Elementary school cafeteria. “Looking back, it is a bittersweet moment,” announced Superintendent, Portia Brandt as she called up each teacher and staff member to honor their years of service in the district.

Starting with Linda Pawlak, who led the food service staff for 34 years, Brandt said that they deserve a “commemorative throne.”

Special education teacher Judy Davis put in 28 years whom Brandt said that she has a “dying heart for kids.” For Carol Walker, Title I Reading teacher who put in 32 years, she said, “You’re always here for the kids.”

Phys ed teacher, Mark Temons has been involved in every aspect of education according to Brandt. “He attended state functions, sports arenas, and working with kids, has garnered more grant monies for projects at the high school than anyone else.”

And when Portia Brandt came to Muncy in 1999, principal Bill Ramsey was already here. “He’s done just about everything a principal can do. He streamlined the transition from one leader to another,” she added. “He has been in the forefront and the background. Bill has been here a long time. Kids and parents together do funny things and Bill has seen it all!” as his fellow colleagues gave him a standing ovation. “I will still be around,” he said during this bittersweet moment.

The Lycoming Chapter Association of School Retirees also gave out two awards. Special recognition went to Linda Pawlak for her dedicated service to the school district. The Loretta Woodson award was given to Heather Zimmerman for her ongoing support as advisor for the FBLA for the past nine years. Under her direction membership grew from six to sixty according to Superintendent Brandt.

School board president, Tom Gardner also recognized school board members, volunteers, former school retirees and special guests. He thanked the teachers for taking salary freezes and tax increases. “This kept our school district solid,” he said. “Let’s keep education where it’s supposed to be and keep our children learning. With these sacrifices made, we will move forward next year.”