School district recognizes retirees

With an average of more than 25 years of service between them, 15 people retired this year from the Douglas County School District.

The retiring staff was honored with crystal apple awards at the school district meeting June 13.

Norma Villaseñor from human resources recognized classified employee Connie Gonzales who retired after 21 years, the last six as head secretary for special services.

"She organized a challenging department in a kind and respectful way," said Villaseñor.

Retiring from Douglas High School are the "cafeteria lady," Betty Larrouy; Mary Wheeler, known as "MacGyver" and the "queen of garage sales" when she helped students assemble science projects, and Paula Albert, who trained students in career-related skills as a special education aide.

Rick Kester, head of business services in the district office, is retiring after more than 27 years. Instead of a crystal apple, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Rich Alexander awarded Kester a special gift.

"We thought you'd appreciate a rubber apple so you could save the district more money," said Alexander.

Retiring certified employees include:

Twain Berg, retiring science teacher from Douglas who has taught every subject in his 20 years of education,

Bud Perkins and Jan McKenzie, both Scarselli teachers retiring after 30 years in education,

Kathie Hudson, Carson Valley Middle School language arts teacher known for spicing up her lessons by wearing a Tina Turner wig,

Karen Green is retiring from Carson Valley after 28 years as a teacher and coach,

Julie Schulz was a Jacks Valley counselor and now a Reiki and therapeutic masseuse,

Mary Sue Wills is a retiring Douglas English teacher of 16 years "who related to all levels of student abilities,"

Principal Janie Gray from Whittell is retiring to "peace, quiet and grandchildren in another state."

Zephyr Cove's principal Chris Perdomo is closing the book on a total of 32 years as an educator.

June 10, 2006 was declared John Soderman Day by Gov. Kenny Guinn to recognize the retiring superintendent for his "self-less search for education" in his 31 years of service.

School board President Connie Wennhold said she learned much from Soderman.

"He has integrity and he loves kids," Wennhold said. "All decisions he's made revolve around what's best for the kids."

Retiring certified employees:

Twain Berg Douglas

Janie Gray Whittell

Karen Green Carson Valley

Kathie Hudson Carson Valley

Janice McKenzie Scarselli

Chris Perdomo Zephyr Cove

Bud Perkins Scarselli

Julie Schulz Jacks Valley

John Soderman District Office

Mary Sue Wills Douglas

Retiring classified employees:

Paula Albert Douglas

Connie Gonzales Special Services

Rick Kester District Office

Betty Larrouy Douglas

Mary Wheeler Douglas