Nebo School District Retirees 2010

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Sandra Bachler, secretary at Sage Creek Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 25 years.

Sandra responded, “Kindness begins with me.”

Sandra enjoys family and quilting. She is married to William. They reside in Springville and have nine children.

 

George Roy Bradford, head adult sweeper at Spanish Fork Junior High School, is retiring after 18 years.

George replied, “Be kind to everyone.”

George enjoys gardening and building things. He resides in Spanish Fork and has three children and ten grandchildren.

 

Mary Briggs, librarian at Brockbank Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 25 years.

Mary said, “I have been blessed to work with three wonderful principals, an awesome staff and thousands of fantastic kids! It has always been my goal to treat the students like I would want my own children and now grandchildren treated. Kindness and respect always seemed to get those library books back! What a wonderful way to spend 25 years.”

Mary enjoys grandkids, scrapbooking, traveling for baseball games, family and reading. She is married to Garry. They reside in Spanish Fork and have four children.

 

Sharrelyn Hansen, Title I technician at Rees Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 24 years.

Sharrelyn commented, “I was privileged to spend my entire career at Rees Elementary. I have enjoyed many special friendships there. I plan to enjoy my home, family, and some new experiences.”

Sharrelyn has been awarded District Technician of the Month. She is involved in PTA and the LDS Church. She enjoys reading, gardening and traveling. Sharrelyn is married to Michael. They reside in Spanish Fork and have three children.

 

Ronald W. Moss, options technician at East Meadows Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after six years.

Ross enjoys scouting and collecting Native American Art. He is married to Sheila. They reside in Spanish Fork and have five children.

Kenneth Pruitt, project manager at the District Office, is retiring from Nebo School District after 27 years.

Kenneth stated, “Treat everyone with respect and you will get it back. When in doubt, ask questions before you make mistakes.”

Kenneth was Custodian of the Month at Larsen Elementary and was Fire Fighter of the Year for the Spanish Fork Fire Department. He enjoys fishing, hunting, and building anything. He is married to Marietta. They reside in Spanish Fork and have three children.

 

Marcella Staheli, librarian at Goshen Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 20 years.

Marcella responded, “If you can read, you can do anything! I have been privileged to have hundreds of student friends who are the best kids in Utah.”

Marcella is a LDS Church community volunteer, a hunter education teacher for 20 years, 4-H leader, and a 2002 Olympics volunteer. She enjoys quilting, sewing, word games, and crossword puzzles. She is married to Randy. They reside in Goshen and have four children and ten grandchildren.

 

Cheryl K. Van Ausdal, cook at Hobble Creek Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 17 years.

Cheryl said, “I will miss all of my co-workers. They are the best friends I could ever ask for. Peggy Giles is an outstanding manager and friend. I have enjoyed working with everyone. They have helped me through some very bad times, and we also have had a lot of good times.”

Cheryl received the Heart of Program Award. She is involved with the Odd Fellows Club and the Elks Lodge. She enjoys acrylic painting, traveling, sewing, and grandchildren. Cheryl resides in Spanish Fork and has two children.

 

Joye Wimmer, technician at Springville Junior High, is retiring from Nebo School District after 18 years.

Joye replied, “The At-Risk students that I have been associated with over the past years, I have loved. I have watched them make mistakes, recover from mistakes, lost some from mistakes; but always have loved them. Watching them become responsible has been my success as well as theirs.”

Joye is married to Bill. They reside in Springville and have two children.

 

Linda Witney, librarian for Westside Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 29 years.

Linda said, “Your character is how you act when nobody is watching. Thanks to the awesome students at Westside who have charmed me for 29 years. Your smiling faces and hugs are what kept me coming back from year to year. Also, thanks to the many faculty members who over the years have become cherished friends. The ride was full of laughter and great fun. Most importantly, thanks for making me a better person!”

Linda enjoys boating at Lake Powell, spending time at their cabin in Fairview, kayaking, golfing, reading, and enjoying her five beautiful grandchildren. She is married to Rick. They reside in Springville and have three children.

 

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Kerry Bird, third through fifth-grade teacher at Brookside Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 32 years.

Kerry commented, “I feel fortunate to have been able to work and associate with so many good people over the years. It is a blessing to be a teacher, especially with the youth, because they are the future leaders and parents. I’m thankful for all those who have supported me, and I realize that it would have been impossible without my wonderful wife and family.”

Kerry was awarded the Teacher of the Year for Westside Elementary, Excellence in Teaching from Springville PTA, the Crystal Apple Award and been involved as an Utah Core Academy Instructor. He is on the Springville Tree Committee and Nebo Credit Union Supervisory Committee. He enjoys reading, home construction, camping, motorcycles, landscaping, traveling, and snowmobiling. Kerry is married to Karen. They reside in Springville and have five children and seven grandchildren.

 

Colleen Briggs, kindergarten teacher at Hobble Creek Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 12 years.

Colleen stated, “My philosophy of kindergarten – kindergarten is a bridge between home and school. These children come to school with varied backgrounds due to experiences, nursery schools, travel and television. Each child has unique strengths and preferred learning styles. It is my job to challenge and support their learning so they will see themselves as successful learners. My instruction is multi-level so that all may learn. I think learning should be relevant to their world and integrated across the curriculum. I teach with love, laughter, and passion to make their school experience joyful – a child’s garden.”

Colleen was awarded Teacher of the Year and the Crystal Apple Award in 2006 at Hobble Creek Elementary. She enjoys kayaking, traveling, enjoying God’s beautiful creations, eating good food, and family. She is married to Lyn and they have 4 children and 15 grandchildren.

 

Penny Bushman, family and consumer science teacher at Payson Junior High School, is retiring from Nebo School District after 22 years.

Penny responded, “I have loved my years teaching at Payson Junior High School. I have had such supportive principals and made many friends who have enriched my life. I love teaching family living and watching the students find personal success.”

Penny was awarded the Crystal Apple and Teacher of the Year. She is involved in PTA and relief society presidencies. She enjoys music, crafts, reading, sewing, her family, and grandchildren. She is married to Roger. They reside in American Fork and have six children.

 

Julie Butler, second-grade teacher at Barnett Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 27 years.

Julie replied, “I have had the wonderful opportunity of helping second-grade students learn life skills and educational concepts to help them through life. I have always believed that reading at any level is the window to learning. Students who learn to love reading will learn and most likely love learning. I was hired to teach at Barnett Elementary by Jack Powell whom my mother had worked for at Peteetnet School. I began as a substitute, but the teacher was unable to come back to work. It was challenging to take over in the middle of a year. I have always been grateful to Jack Powell for hiring me and having confidence in me. It’s been a great ride!”

Julie was awarded the PTA Teacher of the Year and Barnett Teacher of the Year in 2010. She is involved in numerous charities and has been involved in church callings for many years. She loves to read, do things with her six grandkids, crochet, have barbecues with family, and watch good movies. She is married to Robert. They reside in Payson and have four children.

 

Shelley R. Emery, fifth-grade teacher at Park Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 35 years.

Shelley said, “Teaching is a work of the Heart! I have loved teaching and working with amazing teachers and principals who have all made a difference in my life. I feel it is a blessing to be a part of my students’ lives, and hope that I have been instrumental in touching a life forever.”

Shelley was selected the Nebo Teacher of the Month in October 1988, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 2004-2005 ninth edition, Teacher of the Year for Park School in 2009-2010, and Government Award for Student Council Leadership. She was involved with the Spanish Fork PTA Council, Thank-a-Teacher Campaign, and Community Literacy Program. She is a volunteer for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Shelley enjoys traveling, gardening, and family history. She is married to Russell. They reside in Spanish Fork and have four children and two grandchildren.

 

Nedra R. Grover, second-grade teacher at Taylor Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 17 years.

Nedra commented, “It has been a pleasure to spend all of my years teaching at Taylor Elementary. I have worked with four wonderful principals. I believe all students are special, and I encourage my students to believe they are special, and to always do their best.”

Nedra received the Gifted and Talented Award and Elementary Teacher of the Year at Taylor. She was involved in Reading Recovery and after school programs as well as her church activities. She enjoys reading, traveling, cake decorating, and sewing. She resides in Payson and has three children and four grandchildren.

 

Shirley Jordan, second-grade teacher at Park Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 30 years.

Shirley stated, “In my 30 years at Park Elementary, I had eight principals, saw the building remodeled twice (or was it three times?), changed grades three times, changed classrooms five times, and taught over 600 students. My largest classes weighed in at 31 students, both in kindergarten and first grade. And my smallest is this year in second grade at 17. I have had a classroom that was turquoise, orange, beige and yellow all at the same time with olive green curtains. Then the principal had all the doorways painted maroon. I have seen the paper towel and toilet paper dispensers go back and forth from sheets to rolls and sheets to rolls about five times. I have gone from writing on chalk boards to writing on white boards, but I still hoard a piece of fat white chalk in case they find out white boards are toxic and chalk boards are in vogue again. I do not miss the ‘old days’. I mostly love computers, the internet, the copy machine, reading books, math books, atlas’s, pull-down maps, electric pencil sharpeners, TV sets with DVD players, document cameras, and all sort of marvels to come, which we did not have in the ‘old days’.”

Shirley is a compulsive reader, loves to play air hockey, computer games, walking in Provo Canyon, writing, board games, and spending time with friends and family. She resides Orem and has eight nieces and nephews, two grand-nephews, one grand-niece and one unknown on the way.

 

Mong-Hoa N. LeBras, special education teacher at Landmark High School, is retiring from Nebo School District after 17 years.

Mong-Hoa responded, “Be kind, respectful and fair to all, walk an extra mile, do better and help people. My students are my main concern. They are the reason why I chose to teach. Their successes are my precious rewards! I love them all!”

Mong-Hoa was Teacher of the Month at Spanish Fork High School, received grants from TrustLand funds and State Farm to buy computers and books for classroom use. She organized the Career Fair for five years at Spanish Fork High. Mong-Hoa enjoys reading, cooking, helping people--especially young people, and being with her family. She is married to Yuon. They reside in Orem and have six children and fourteen grandchildren.

 

Don L. Liddiard, counselor and teacher at Springville High School, is retiring from Nebo School District after 33 years.

Don replied, “Learning is a lifetime involvement. There is always something new to discover, learn and do.”

Don received the Silver Beaver Scouting Award and the United States Army Meritorious Service Medal. He is a soccer coach, spent 30 years in the Utah National Guard, is CERT trained, and is involved in the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoys scouting, reading, fishing, family, and wildlife observation. He is a sports fan and ham radio operator. Don is married to Mary Ann. They reside in Springville and have five children and seventeen grandchildren.

 

Sterling Ludlow, teacher at Landmark High School, is retiring from Nebo School District after 23 years.

Mr. Ludlow said, “Students don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

Sterling is a charter member of the Spanish Fork Ambulance with a lifetime membership. He played professional baseball and was awarded various teaching awards. Mr. Ludlow coached tennis and baseball and is a former city recreation director. He enjoys sports and is a professional baseball scout for the Washington Nationals. Sterling was very active for many years helping and serving history’s great Negro League Baseball players and has been mentioned in several books about Negro League players and history.

Sterling is married to Thayes. They reside in Spanish Fork and have ten children, ten grandchildren and over100 foster children.

 

Steven Robbins, English teacher at Springville Junior High School, is retiring from Nebo School District after 30 years.

Steven commented, “If you can teach students how to learn and to enjoy it, they will naturally do it. Also, helping students learn self-discipline and accountability will guide them toward responsible citizenship, success, and self-esteem. Teaching God’s children for the past 33 years has been a tremendous privilege and blessing to me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed nearly every minute of it. I give special thanks to the thousands of fantastic students who have made my life so much better and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate the support of their parents, my family, and of administrators, secretaries, custodians, electricians, and other staff and board members. It has been an unprecedented honor to work with teachers who are so knowledgeable, gifted and caring. The public education system in Nebo School District is incredibly good. Thank you.”

Steven is involved in the LDS church and student educational tours to Europe. He is married to Sheila. They reside in Springville and have six children and eighteen grandchildren.

 

Barbara Rolfe, teacher at the Legacy Program, is retiring from Nebo School District after 26 years.

Barbara commented, “I teach pregnant and parenting teens. This has been a wonderful opportunity to make a difference. I have been inspired as a teacher by the quotation from Sally Wride: ‘I touch the future—I teach!!’ I have worked with fabulous people throughout my career, but especially in my present job. Thank you to Barbara Blotter, Stephanie Killpack, Marthanne Argyle, and Susan Boothe who have all contributed much to the success of Legacy (Young Parents) program. I will miss my colleagues here and my wonderful students.”

Barbara enjoys sewing, reading and spending time with family and friends. She is married to Darrel. They reside in Salem and have five children.

 

Darrel R. Rolfe, principal at Springville Junior High School, is retiring from Nebo School District after 28 years.

Darrel stated, “I believe I am a composite of all those with whom I have interacted over the years. It has been my opportunity to learn from all of you. I believe life’s joy comes from the ability to keep things in perspective. Never make a ‘BIG DEAL’ out of either the highs or the lows. I believe my most significant recognition has come when I tell people I am a teacher.”

Darrel is involved in the LDS Church. He enjoys golfing, 4-wheeling, and traveling to see his grandkids. He is married to Barbara. They reside in Salem and have five children.

 

Susan S. Sabey, kindergarten teacher at Art City Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 21 years.

Susan responded, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with many choice teachers, staff, students, and parents of Art City Elementary. I will greatly miss working with all of them, and I have many fond memories. I have loved being involved with the education of the young children and seeing them explore new problems and make new friendships. This experience has challenged me and given me a great deal of satisfaction. It has truly been an honor to be called a teacher, and it has been very rewarding. I now look forward to many other adventures in my life!”

Susan is involved in PTA, Relief Society, Young Women’s and Primary programs. She enjoys gardening, traveling, and playing with grandchildren. She is married to Paul. They reside in Orem and have four children and seven grandchildren.

 

Sharon Storrs, third-grade teacher at Riverview Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 22 years.

Sharon replied, “Believe in yourself and you can cross any mountain in your way.”

Sharon has been Brockbank teacher of Year 2002. She was the Community Council Facilitator at Brockbank for five years and Community Council Facilitator at Riverview for two years. She enjoys music and performance choirs. She was involved with five different events including choirs from Brockbank during the Olympics. Sharon served as precinct chair for two years with Republican Party and worked to help Francis Gibson get elected. She has worked vigorously on Chaffetz’s campaign to help get him elected. She was also elected to serve on the State Central Committee.

Sharon stated, “Through it all, I have found that ‘yes’ we can make a difference.” She is married to W. Jan.

 

Jane Tuckett, fourth-grade teacher at Taylor Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 23 years.

Jane said, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow.”

Jane was awarded Teacher of the Year at Taylor Elementary and received the Crystal Apple Award. She enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, hiking, and traveling. She is married to Marvin, and they have two children and one grandchild.

 

Rebecca L. Woodbury, career and technical education teacher at Springville High School, is retiring from Nebo School District after 15 years.

Rebecca commented, “’Seasoned’ teachers, who have developed a rapport and interest in their students, are continually educated and updated in their content area, are the ones who lend stability, security, and wisdom to the educational system and economic process. I believe that Nebo School District students have greater potential than they realize. I have enjoyed the teacher-student interaction of those with whom I have laughed and made my days happier. I have enjoyed the camaraderie of the sincere fellow workers with whom I have shared our joys and sorrows.”

Rebecca was awarded the Bonneville UniServ Service Award for outstanding contributions to Nebo Education Association Communications in 2004-2005, listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers honoring our nation’s most respected teachers and honored for contributions made to the education of our Nation’s Youth in 2004-2005. Rebecca enjoys hiking, reading, genealogy, finance, and real estate. She resides in Pleasant Grove and has four children.

 

Kay Morgan Wright, resource teacher and district elementary library specialist at Hobble Creek Elementary, is retiring from Nebo School District after 15 years of service.

Kay is involved in her church. She enjoys quilting, traveling, skiing, boating, and family time. She is married to Dennis. They reside in Springville and have five children.