40 Years

Now for the reason we made the trip when we did: Dad's retirement party. He taught at Jefferson Middle School for 40 years. 40.Way to go dad! So proud of you!

The teachers put together a celebration party for dad and two other retirees.

Mom and dad

Dad next to the cake

Each retiree gave a little farewell speech. They saved the best for last. Dad talked about how life is like an orchestra and different people play different parts to make life beautiful. He thanked his good friend, Bob, for being his best friend. (Dad got teary eyed, so I did, too)

He introduced the family.

And then he got to my mom and thanked her for being his biggest support of the 40 years. Yep - tears again.

And then he pulled out this funny hat.

Even better, he called both son-in-laws up front to give them their hats. Everyone laughed and laughed.

After the dinner and speeches, these two girls danced and danced to the music. They didn't even realize they were the entertainment for everyone else still there.

Family Picture

Mom and dad with their great friends, Bob and Ginny

Here are some highlights from my dad's 40 years:

160 kids per year X 40 years = 6400 students!

 4 concerts per year X 40 years = 160 concerts

 director of 18 musicals

 same 2 classrooms

 ~10 principals

 20 years of coaching volleyball

 1.      8 City Champs Titles

2.      7 Runner Up Champs

 Of the 40 years he taught, he taught choral for 36 years.

 He started teaching in January 1972. His salary was $8000.

 He coached track for 27 years.

1.      13 Track Champ Titles

 1976-84 Dad was asst. coach for football. (4 or 5 city champs)

And it that wasn't entertaining enough, then maybe you will enjoy a brief look of dad through the decades: