The Newberg Graphic
| Longtime district employees retire as bells are rung |
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Local schools are losing a number of long time employees at the end of this school year. - Chris Kidwell taught language arts at Newberg High School for 17 years. She covered every level of English, drama, and psychology. "The biggest challenge of my career has been staying true to what my gut tells me is right for kids in the face of exhaustion, limited resources and politics. My greatest joy has been how I am energized and inspired by the astonishing humanity of adolescents." Kidwell plans to continue her therapy practice and travel the world. - Lon Buchheit is ending 30 years in the Newberg school district. He was a physical education teacher at Mabel Rush Elementary. His most memorable experiences on the job in the school district were successful field days, carnivals, elementary track meets, and participation in staff performances, he said. He plans to be a part-time P.E. teacher at St. James Catholic School in McMinnville, and also to sub at Mabel Rush as needed. Buchheit looks forward to a lighter work load and spending time with his grandchildren. - Nancy Owens, a Newberg High School German and language arts teacher retires after 24 years in the Newberg School District. One of her favorite memories while teaching is seeing the faces of her students when they finally understand and are able to communicate in German, she said. In the future, Owens hopes to spend more time with her family, renew old friendships, and travel, and, "hopefully find some opportunity to continue imparting my passion of the German language and culture." - Patti Buck retires after working in the Newberg School District for 31 years as a Library Education Assistant at Mabel Rush Elementary. She has seen a number of changes through the years, including three new schools in the area, and a number of changes in the high school, she said. She particularly recalls moving the Mabel Rush library three times while working there. Buck is looking forward to spending time with the grandchildren and relaxing. Buck received the 2004 Crystal Apple Award for Outstanding Classified Employee for her ability to impart a love of reading among students. - Pete Horvath, known as "Pete the plumber," retires after 28 years in maintenance. Horvath has worked as a relief custodian, as a member of the grounds crew, and for the last 16 years in maintenance as a plumber. "I love the staff here, Horvath said. "It's been a fun 28 years. There have been some trying times, but overall good." In the future, Horvath plans to spend time working on his classic cars and travel. - Sharon Hundley served for 17 years as the Chehalem Valley Middle School educational assistant in the intensive learning center. Working in special education, there is never a dull moment, she said. She will miss the students, but is looking forward to spending more time with her husband Don and two grandsons. - Lori Patton will end her time teaching the first grade at Edwards Elementary after working in the Newberg School District for 30 years. She has also previously taught first and second grade classes at Mabel Rush Elementary School, and kindergarten at Dundee Elementary School. Performing the Heimlich maneuver to save a child from choking was one of her most memorable experiences on the job, she says. She likes visits from past students when they are in middle and high school. |