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Centralia High School says goodbye to (from left to right) English teacher Steve Stein, English teacher Paula Becker, custodian Danny Owen, and Special Education teacher John Sallee. WJBDradio.com photo by Garrett Ford. |
When Centralia High School opens its doors next August, it will be without four familiar faces. The school honored its four retirees Monday afternoon at a reception in the school cafeteria. All retiring staff members were honored by Superintendent Chuck Lane, Board of Education president Keith Kessler, and a member of their departments.
Danny Owen has been a custodian at the high school since 1997. He recognized all the staff members he's worked with through the years. “I want to thank everyone for the cards and prayers over the last couple of months. You’re all my family,” said Owen.
Special Education teacher John Sallee has spent 30 years teaching in Centralia and 34 years in education total. He said he'll stay in touch with everyone. “I’ve already made some arrangements for coming back for lunch,” he joked.
Paula Becker has been an English teacher at Centralia High School since 1976. She said it's hard to say goodbye to so many years. “Centralia high School has been my whole life for all these years and I’ll always consider myself part of the CHS family,” said Becker.
English teacher Steve Stein also came to Centralia High School in 1976 and also went through all four years of high school with Becker. He echoed the comments of his long-time friend. “I started as a freshman at CHS in 1967. 42 years later, I finally get to graduate, so I’m looking forward to that. But, I know this will always have a special place in my heart,” Stein said.
The retiring teachers officially check out Tuesday.
