The Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. honored four of its retirees at the TVSC Board meeting on Monday, May 15, at Akron Elementary School. They included Tippecanoe Valley Middle School sixth grade social studies teacher Niki Early. From left: Early’s parents Ted and Markie Edwards, Early’s daughter-in-law Kendahl Wimsatt and grandchildren Auden and Aila Wimsatt, Early, Early’s husband Layne Early and Early’s daughter Lauren Shewman and son-in-law Isaac Shewman. Photo provided.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

AKRON — The Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. has recognized several retiring employees.

That was done at the TVSC Board’s regular meeting on Monday, May 15, at Akron Elementary School. Those honored included Akron Elementary School head cook Julie Kruger, Tippecanoe Valley Middle School sixth grade social studies teacher Niki Early, Mentone Elementary School reading interventionist Karla Hayden and Beaver Dam Preschool Director and teacher Lisa Adams. All were present at the meeting save for Hayden.

TVSC Superintendent Blaine Conley read biographical information on each retiree as well as their answers to questions, including regarding retirement plans.

Kruger worked for TVSC for 15 years and two at the Akron Head Start, spending a time as custodian before moving into the cafeteria.

“Looking back on her time here, she really relishes working with the great women that she has in the cafeteria,” read Conley. “What she’ll miss most upon leaving is all the kids. What she’s looking forward to most is enjoying time with her husband and traveling. She’d like to add, that in her words: ‘My heart and prayers will always be with Akron Elementary.'”

Early has spent all 29 and a half years of her teaching career within TVSC. She was an Akron first grade teacher and Mentone sixth grade language arts teacher before she taught language arts and social studies at TVMS.

“Reflecting upon on her career, the most rewarding part has been being able to work with kids and building relationships with them,” read Conley.

He mentioned Early’s creating the Viking Vittles program, through which TVMS students in need get food to take home with them.

“What she’ll miss most upon leaving, the kids and the teachers that she was blessed to work with, and what she’s looking forward to most, patiently waiting for (her husband) to retire, so (they) can travel together,” said Conley.

He read that Early also mentioned that: “May God bless all of you that are working with our students. Nothing is more important for our future.”

Hayden’s spent 24 of her 25 years in education at TVSC.

Conley noted Hayden started out volunteering at schools before opting to study education in college. She would student-teach in third grade at Mentone and social studies and language arts at TVMS.

“After wonderful experiences at Valley, I decided there was no other place I wanted to work,” read Conley regarding Hayden’s words.

Hayden taught kindergarten and third grade at Mentone before becoming a literacy coach where she discovered her “passion of teaching reading,” read Conley.

“I tell everyone that teaching reading is the best job in the world,” read Conley from Hayden’s statement. “The most rewarding thing for me was the opportunity to work with great kids, families and colleagues. I’m happy to have lots of good memories to reflect on as I’ve worked with students and activities like book clubs, small group reading, the bookmobile visiting and book bingo.”

Hayden also thanked Valley leaders for their support.

“I’ll mostly miss the sound of kid laughter,” read Conley from Hayden’s statement. “I’ve always tried to make my learning activities fun and engaging with … lots of learning, smiles and chuckles.”

“My plans are to spend more time with friends and family, hang out on the boat at the sand bar, travel a little and read lots of mysteries,” Conley continued reading from Hayden’s statement. “Teaching at Valley has been a wonderful experience for me. I’ve made many friends and happy memories that I’ll cherish in my heart forever.”

Adams taught for three years at Akron and 24 at Beaver Dam Preschool, starting her education career when her son was an Akron kindergartner.

Conley mentioned that “watching children grow” is what Adams found most rewarding from her career.

“She’ll miss the students and staff here at Akron Elementary,” noted Conley from Adams’ statement. “And her next steps are spending time with family and friends and traveling. Her additional thoughts are: ‘It’s been a privilege and an honor to be able to work with the children and the community. I appreciate the opportunity to do so.'”

Adams was also honored later in Monday’s meeting by receiving the Akron Fantastic Flyer of the Year award.

Beaver Dam Preschool Director and teacher Lisa Adams was also honored. From left: Adams’ husband Kent Adams, Adams’ son Troy Adams and Adams. Photo provided.

Another recognized retiree was Akron head cook Julie Kruger, right, who’s pictured with her husband Steve Kruger. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.