Golden apples for retirees

Published 6:00 am Wednesday, June 9, 2004

Twenty-three people from all areas of the Oak Harbor School District came to receive their golden apples during a reception at the Oak Harbor School District administration building Thursday.

It was a way to recognize their years of service to the school district before they retire.

Joining the retirees at the ceremony were more than 100 people, many of whom were teachers who previously retired and wanted to attend the reception and congratulate those new to their ranks.

The retirees this year are a combination of teachers, school nurses, bus drivers and administrators.

“This is always a bittersweet moment,” said Superintendent Rick Schulte as he started handing out the golden apples.

He recalled that he was the youngest administrator in the district when he started 17 years ago.

“The time is rapidly approaching where I’ll be the oldest administrator,” Schulte said.

As the school year finishes, some remember the years they’ve spent in the district.

“When you’re leaving, there are a lot of things that you remember and most of it is the people,” said Marilyn Dessert, a school nurse who has been with the district for 13 years.

Those thoughts were echoed by out-going Business Director Pam Ross, who could have retired five years ago.

“I could have retired after 25 years, but I was having fun,” Ross said. One of the things she enjoyed about the school district was her co-workers. Student interns who worked in her office over the years still stop by occasionally for a visit.

For Jan Sebens, a school counselor who has been with the school district for 27 years, retirement gives her a chance to sleep in without worrying about an alarm clock.

She also received a ton of advice during the reception from former educators.

“I’ve got so many old friends here giving me advice, I think I’ll do fine,” Sebens said.

Some people already have plans for their retirement.

Dessert will have more time to devote to her craft business which she operates with her husband.

Barbara James, Human Resources director who is finishing this summer, will have more time to spend with family, especially her children.

Schulte said the school district and the Oak Harbor Education Association jointly put on the reception, an event that has been part of the community for the past 10 years.