Ron's Party happens every year the week before school starts.
We celebrate not having to go to school.
The event, featuring retired teachers from Sandpoint High, spouses and other retired teaching friends, began about 20 years ago.
SHS history teacher, coach and social director Ron Hunt founded the annual gathering. Since Ron's passing a few years ago, the potluck party is held each year at the home of Duane and Marilyn Ward.
Duane always reminds the group who started the party, who has passed on and who has joined the group now that THEY are retired.
With that formula, the party should go on forever as long as Sandpoint High operates.
Yesterday's party was a bit different from usual because of the rain. But Duane and Marilyn saw to it that tarps and tents and a warm fire pit could keep us all comfortable.
One big surprise happened when Dana Curtis, former home ec teacher turned California lawyer turned mediation expert who's still teaching walked in and joined the group.
Turns out Dana happened to be in town for a visit. Her daughter lives right across the street from Duane and Marilyn. When Dana heard there were teachers over at Ward's, she came.
What a wonderful surprise!
I think it's been nearly 30 years since I've seen Dana, whom I also knew while going through the Sandpoint school system.
The rain finally stopped toward the end of the party.
I tried to get pictures of everyone there but missed a few cuz, of course, I like to do my visiting too.
Anyway, our friend Florine was not able to make it, but she told me yesterday that she likes seeing the pictures.
So, here ya go, Florine.
Hope former students of these educators, whose Sandpoint High teaching experiences span nearly eight decades enjoy the album also.
Happy Thursday.
Dana Stockman, above left and officially starting her first year of retirement, was "new kid at the party."
A toast to all our group who've passed on.
1 comment:
That’s SO awesome !! I just wanted to add that MS Curtis taught some good lessons in Home Ec class. Things I still use today. A very useful and fun class. I also remember a few girls who were kind of mean and rude to her in class. One day, she got tears in her eyes and asked them/called them out on their behavior by asking them, “ why are you so mean to me, what did I do to deserve this treatment from you?” And with that there was silence. No more snickering or whispered comments under their breath. The behavior stopped. I’m not even sure teachers could do this anymore. Someone might be offended that their child was embarrassed in front of everyone. Retirement looks good on all of you ♥️
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