Nebo School District Retirees 2016
A total of 60 Nebo employees are retiring for a total of 1,585 years of service in Nebo. Congratulations for all your service to Nebo students.
(Congratulations to Marjean Strong for answering this week's "Where Are We Wednesday?" sponsored by Wiggy Wash.
Margaret H. Allinson
2nd Grade Teacher – Goshen Elementary
34 years of service in Nebo
"What a great ride this has been. I feel so fortunate to have been able to work with so many wonderful principals, talented teachers, and amazing children and parents. Goshen is and always will be a home away from home for me. All of my own children have attended Goshen Elementary. The special programs offered at the school such as math excellence, the education fair, and the summer review packets have definitely helped prepare them to meet their future academic challenges. I'm extremely proud of the work we do at Goshen and plan to volunteer my time to help that great work continue. My husband and kids always said how lucky I was because I very rarely had a bad day. Now that my own children are in college, I remind them it's jot just the amount in your bank account that matters, it's that you have love and passion for what you do!"
Jeffrey C. Ballard
MultiAge/4th Grade Teacher, African Drum Ensemble – Rees Elementary
30 years of service in Nebo
Teresa Balser
3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Teacher – Art City Elementary
27 years of service in Nebo
“I’m grateful for the opportunity of teaching in Nebo School District. I appreciate the many learning, as well as teaching experiences I’ve had through the years. It has been my privilege to work with many wonderful students and parents, and get to know their families. Thank you to the mentors, team members, and co-workers who have helped me along the way and have become valued friends. What a ride it has been! Many treasured memories!”
Valorie M. Beardall
Accounts Payable Secretary – District Office
15 years of service in Nebo
“I have really enjoyed my job here with Nebo School District. I like the people I work with, and the students I serve. It has been a great experience for me. This is a great place to work and the people I work with are the best. I will enjoy retirement and taking care of my grandkids.”
Shayne Bott
Custodial Foreman – District Maintenance
38 years of service in Nebo
“I started working for Nebo School District as a Custodian at Payson High School in 1978. I spent 9 years there before I moved to Taylor Elementary. After 25 years at Taylor, I was given the opportunity to work as the Custodial Foreman and have spent the last 4 years at this position. During my 38 years at Nebo School District I have met and worked with many great people and have developed many friendships. The people I've got to know and the friendships I've made are the things I will miss the most and I'm truly grateful for the memories which I will always cherish. I am also thankful for the steady employment that Nebo School District provided me and my family. We have been blessed.”
Catherine Burton
Instructional Coach – Resource & 2nd Grade Teacher – Santaquin & Wilson Elementary Schools
28.5 years of service in Nebo
“Teaching has been my great joy! I feel privileged to have been associated with so many dedicated educators over these past years. But teaching is all about the children and the opportunity to be a part of their eager lives. For this blessing, I will forever be grateful! I truly believe as Schweitzer says, 'No ray of sunshine is ever lost but the green which it awakens takes time to sprout, and it is not always granted to the sower to see the harvest'. My hope is that I was at least one ray of that sunshine.”
Reed Butler
Math Teacher – Salem Junior High
16 years of service in Nebo
Lise Carpenter
Science Teacher – Springville Junior High
20 years of service in Nebo, 4 years with another district
“It's been a grand 20 years at Springville Junior I am grateful to all the administrators, secretaries, counselors, and custodians, and teachers with which I have been associated over the years. Teaching 8th grade has taught me that patience is a virtue! It took a while, but I think I finally learned and it's a blessing. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching 8th grade. There is never a dull moment, that's for sure! I will cherish the many memories from over the years--funny, happy, sometimes sad, but never boring. As I move on to other experiences, I will always be thankful for the time I spent teaching at Springville Junior High.”
Wendy Carron-Campbell
7th – 9th Grade Teacher – SPED – Spanish Fork Junior High
19 years of service in Nebo
“I feel blessed to have the opportunities I have had working with awesome students, parents, and teachers. I can say I will miss them all. I'm hoping my retirement will aid in my rejuvenation of health and opportunities to be of service to many. I appreciate all I have received and look forward to even more future happiness.”
Carrie Christensen
Attendance Secretary – Salem Hills High
28 years of service in Nebo
“One summer afternoon, I sat home tending babies, the phone rang and it seemed kind of odd that the Spanish Fork High School principal (Mrs. Valencia) wanted to see me in her office. The cheer advisor had quit and they needed someone to fill in for a while and my name had been turned in to her. Twenty eight years later seems like a long while, but I am grateful for the opportunity and the amazing friends I have gathered along the way. After my first year as Cheer advisor I was fortunate to get a job as a Resource Technician. A few years flew by and they moved me to work with High Risk students. I also worked as the Student Council advisor for several years and my last two years at SF I changed positions and became the Attendance Secretary. When the new Salem Hills High School was built, I thought, ‘Wow’, how great it would be to just roll down the hill to work. And I have been rolling to work ever since. I have been privileged to come to work and be with my best friends. I feel truly blessed to have worked for Nebo School District and as much as I love the faculty and staff, I have loved the students. I have become a better person as I shared some of their hardships. My heart would break when I listened to their trials and life lessons they needed to learn. I have cried at their losses, and I have felt so much joy, when I would hear of their accomplishments, or meet them on the street just to chat for a while. So as my years come to an end, I just want to say thank you for letting me stay for such a long while!”
Robert Christmas
7th – 9th Grade Teacher – History – Diamond Fork Junior High
35 years of service in Nebo
“My life was enriched by students, parents, administrators, and colleagues. I am a teacher not because that is what I do, but because that is what I am. I teach not as a way to make a living, but as a way to make a life.”
Cheri Cornaby
Speech Pathologist Specialist/District Level – District Wide
40 years of service in Nebo
“I began my career in Nebo School District as a Speech Language Pathologist 40 years ago and I have had the opportunity to work with many exceptional administrators, teachers, parents and students. I have been blessed with many treasured associations and memories.
“As a Speech Pathologist, helping students to communicate has always been my greatest desire and seeing students succeed academically and socially has been my greatest joy. Nebo School District has been the perfect setting to help me achieve that goal. I have had the privilege of working in many schools, associate with great professionals, help students overcome communication difficulties, see them succeed in life and then help their children.
“My opportunity to work as a Special Education District Level Specialist has provided me with a greater vision of our district and the excellent individuals within each of our schools providing services to our students with special needs. I have a great appreciation and admiration for those individuals within our Special Education Department with whom I have had the opportunity to associate. Our Special Education Director, Coordinator, and each of our District Level Specialists have shared their knowledge and expertise which has helped me grow professionally and the friendships have made the work enjoyable.
“I am appreciative of the support I have received as we strive to meet the increasing needs of students with communication disorders and each of the Speech Supervisors, Speech Pathologists and Speech Technicians working throughout our district providing exceptional services to students. I am grateful for their dedication, service and professionalism. I am thankful for that association and the friendships that have been created throughout the years.”
Sandy Coxson
7th-9th Grade Teacher – Math – Secondary Math, Math 1, 7, & 8, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Applied Mathematics, Spanish – Spanish Fork Junior High
26 years of service in Nebo
“This past year I have spent quite a bit of time thinking back over the last 26 years I have spent at Spanish Fork Junior High - all the students I have loved and had the privilege of teaching, the parents I've met, the teachers I've taught with, the administrators I've worked with and the staff members I've rubbed shoulders with. I wouldn't begin to try to name all of the names but each one has enriched my life. I'm grateful for the many associations I have had with people throughout the district. I will carry many precious memories into retirement. It's amazing how quickly these years have gone. If I had any advice for new teachers it would be to love your students, love what you teach, get involved in things at the school and the district, be willing to help out whenever and wherever you can, smile a lot, laugh a lot, and always remember that you have a life beyond school when you walk through the doors each night. It has been my privilege and honor to be called a teacher. I hope I have touched lives, but if not, I have tried my best. Thank you, Nebo School District, for a great journey!!”
Paula Darling
Human Resource Secretary – District Office
30 years of service in Nebo
“It has been such a pleasure to work in the Nebo School District. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend the last 30 years (unless I could have spent it on a beautiful island and been independently wealthy). I will treasure the many associates that I have had the pleasure of working with through the years, the growing experiences that I have had, and the lasting friendships that I will always cherish. I will keep the precious memories of my years in the district close to my heart, until I lose my memory in my later years!”
Carol Day
Gifted & Talented Specialist – Hobble Creek & Mapleton Elementary Schools
23 years of service in Nebo, 6 years with another district
“I soak in the exuberance and creativity of my students adding it to 23 years of moments and projects that have been my passion. I come away enriched and transformed from exhilarating moments when students rise to challenges surpassing their beliefs in themselves. I want to thank all the teachers, administrators; starting with J. Lynn Jones who planted the seed, parents and students who supported my efforts to risk a different approach either through an art form or a differentiated model.”
Lynnette Diamond
Attendance Secretary – Diamond Fork Junior High
14 years of service in Nebo
“I am so thankful for the opportunity I have had working for Nebo School District at Diamond Fork Junior High. I feel that Diamond Fork has the best staff anywhere and I feel proud that I've had the chance to work side-by-side with the most amazing people. I will miss my day-to-day association with everyone I have worked with.
“As this chapter of my life comes to a close, I look forward to what comes next. I am excited to be able to spend more time with my children and grandchildren. Supporting them and being there when they need me. I also look forward to being able to do some traveling with my husband. I am truly grateful that I have had this experience. It has enhanced my life and has changed me for the better. Thank you so much to the faculty and staff at Diamond Fork Junior High for all your kindness and support.”
Margie Dobson
FACS Teacher – Spanish Fork Junior High
22 years of service in Nebo
Sherrie Dunford
7th-9th Grade Orchestra Teacher – Diamond Fork Junior High
31 years of service in Nebo, 1 year with another district
“As I stand on the threshold of my classroom and peer in at the empty chairs, I am a bundle of mixed emotions. Of all the thousands of students that have walked through this door and others like it, how many have I influenced for good? How many have learned the lessons I have tried to teach? How many have left this room feeling a desire to continue learning throughout their lives? How many will remember me as a teacher who tried her hardest to give them the things they needed to make it in this world? How many developed that lifelong love of learning that I tried to imbue in them? How many of them were touched by the message in the music we learned to play together? In short, how well have I succeeded?
“Like most teachers, I have had my ups and downs, my good years and my bad years, students who responded to me and students who went away empty. But never can anyone say about me that I did not love my students. Every thought throughout every school day has been about how I can better help these beautiful young people get excited about learning and improving their skills. How many times have I counted myself among the luckiest people alive because I have been privileged to spend my days with the greatest students ever, and to teach them how to play and love great music (and get paid to do it)? It doesn’t get much better than that.
“I have taught at Spanish Fork High School, Spanish Fork Junior High, Spanish Fork Middle School, Maple Mountain High School, Mapleton Junior High School, and Diamond Fork Junior High where I have spent most of my career. I have been privileged to work with some of the best administrators in the business, supportive beyond belief of the things I have wanted to accomplish. I have been able to associate with some of the best and most creative teachers to be found anywhere, and I count many of them as my dearest friends. Now as I look the other way toward the path of retirement, I wonder, am I really ready for it? Did I make a mistake by leaving now, or should I have stayed just a few more years? So may days this past month I have had to fight back the tears as I have looked into the eyes of my students, realizing that this is it. These are the last ones I will count as mine. I don’t want to leave them. But I also know it is time to turn things over to someone else, someone young, with fresh ideas who will take these students to heights I have only dreamed of. Rest assured I will be her number one fan. My best advice, just love them. Everything else will fall into place.”
Trina Ellis
1st Grade Teacher – Santaquin Elementary
28 years of service in Nebo
“As I reflect on the last 28 years, being an educator, colleague, wife, mother, grandmother, etc. has brought great joy to me. Having the opportunity to be a part of hundreds of children's lives and watch them grow and learn has been rewarding. Each day brought new experiences that helped me become more caring and understanding. I was blessed with many colleagues (Friends) that I worked side by side with that I grew to love and admire. Their kindness, support, determination and humor made my career as an educator full of happiness and satisfaction. My family was always there to cheer me on, supporting me and listening to my struggles and successes. Thanks to all that were a big part of my 28 years at Santaquin Elementary. I love teaching and hope to continue to have it be a part of my life. This new chapter will be filled with gardening, sewing, remodeling, a lot of DIY projects, but most of all spending precious time with my family.”
Robin Erdmann
Head Food Services Worker – Canyon Elementary
11 years of service in Nebo
Charlotte Fullmer
1st & 2nd Grade Title I Teacher – Taylor Elementary
25 years of service in Nebo
“I would like to express thanks and love to all of the students I have taught for letting me be a part of their life.”
Jon Gordon said, "Create your own unique way to show your students and colleagues you care about them and you will not only feel more positive yourself, but you will develop positive kids who create a more positive world."
Shellie Graves
4th Grade Teacher – Sage Creek Elementary
25 years of service in Nebo
“I have loved and enjoyed being able to work in Nebo School District. It has been a pleasure to be able to have spent all of my 25 years at Sage Creek Elementary in the 4th grade. I have worked with so many great people over the years and was lucky enough to work many of those with my daughter. I also had the opportunity to teach two of my own children and many grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. The last couple of years I had the unique opportunity to teach the English side of the Chinese Immersion program. It was a fun challenge to teach and be a part of so many students’ lives. I will miss not being surrounded by all the excitement found in an Elementary School, and hope I have made even a small difference in the lives of the students I taught. I do look forward to the future as the next phase of my life begins.”
Debra I. Hadlock
4th Grade Teacher – Art City Elementary
38 years of service in Nebo
“Wow! It's hard to believe I'm writing this retirement posting. I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades at Art City Elementary. I am now completing my 38th year of teaching. It has been my life, and I'm now looking forward to seeing what the next 38 years will hold in store for me.
“I have worked with some great principals through the years and have learned much from them. Thanks go to Dick Dotson, Chris Sorensen, Rick Nielsen, Dave Rowe, and Lori (Nielsen) Pruitt. I have worked with countless teachers whom I have learned from, and who have become great friends. I will miss my association with them.
“I will especially miss my daily contact with the students. They have been ‘my children,’ and they have helped provide greater meaning to my life.
“I have recently heard from students I have taught in past years, and they have reminded me of ways I have affected their lives positively. It has been most gratifying. Henry Adams has said, ‘A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.’ I believe this holds true for all members of our school community. I also believe that students need to be taught by teachers who have understanding hearts who care about them and their lives, as well as the curriculum, I have done this.
“Michael Barringer has said, ‘Teaching is the greatest of all the arts, for the teacher creates many masterpieces all at the same time...’ I am grateful to have had a part in this great work.
“I appreciate the students, parents, teachers, and administrators who have helped me have such an enjoyable and successful teaching career here in Nebo School District. I will miss those with whom I work, and am grateful to have been a part of Nebo's education community for so many years. Thank you!"
SPED Teacher – Sage Creek Elementary
29 years of service in Nebo
“Sage Creek has been my home and second family for the last 29 years. I have seen education change a lot in that time. It has been a privilege to work with the staff and students at Sage Creek Elementary. I have experienced both joy and heart ache from my students, but nothing beats that feeling when a struggling student becomes a reader. I have loved being an advocate and working with learning disabled students. They have taught me far more than I have taught them. I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my life—being a grandma (and much less homework!)”
Christine L. Hart
Child Care Technician – Legacy Program
19 years of service in Nebo
“I have worked in the Young Mother's program for Nebo School District since it was started in 1997. Through the years, I have worked with many wonderful people and have watched the program evolve into the great school it is today. I have enjoyed watching many young mothers achieve their dream of finishing high school and making their lives better for them and their children. I have loved and cared for hundreds of beautiful children and babies. My co-workers are fabulous, dedicated educators that really care for the students' wellbeing, and I will miss working with them. I am looking forward to retirement and spending time with my family and pursuing other interests. Thank you Nebo School District for allowing me to be part of the greatest district in the state.”
June Hawkins
Secretary Technician – Canyon Elementary
29 years of service in Nebo
Connie A. Heggem
Custodian – Springville High
15 years of service in Nebo
“I have always enjoyed serving others. This job is full of service opportunities. Keeping a home clean is a big job, but keeping a school clean with its many activities, visitors, staff, and students is challenging. I felt that my area in which I was responsible for was a reflection on me and so I have always done my best. The many compliments and ‘thank you’ from visitors, staff, and students alike has been a blessing in my life and brings a smile to my face and heart. It is easy to serve grateful people. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!”
Glenn Holmes
IMC Supervisor – District Office
46 years of service in Nebo
Kim Hudson
Software Support Tech – District Office
16 years of service in Nebo
“For the last 16 years I have truly had my dream job. I have learned so much and had the opportunity to interact with so many amazing people. It wasn't until I came to work for Nebo that I realized I could actually look forward to going to work each day. I want to thank all those who I have worked with both in my department and throughout the district for all the support I have felt and the kindness they have shown. Leaving my job is a bit bittersweet but I know it's time for me to move on to a new chapter in my life.”
Kaye Isakson
Principal – Mt. Nebo Junior High
39 years of service in Nebo
“My favorite saying has always been ‘you are responsible for your own happiness’. I have found joy in being able to come to school every day and be around great people. Students, and students of students, have crossed my path for the better. I have appreciated working with great administrators, faculty, and friends. I look forward to the ‘happiness’ that awaits my husband and me as we continue this adventure of retirement.”
J. Lynn Jones
Special Education & Federal Programs Director— District Office
37 years of service in Nebo
“Working in Nebo School District has been an important and very meaningful part of my life. I began my education as a kindergarten student at the ‘old’ Thurber School (now the Spanish Fork City Offices) and enjoyed wonderful learning experiences at the ‘old’ Central School, ‘old’ Middle School, and ‘old’ Junior High School, before being a Don at Spanish Fork High. Since I also began my teaching career at the ‘old’ Grant School, I realize that many of my places of learning are gone. What isn't gone are most of the wonderful students, parents, and fellow employees who have had patience with me and have supported me all of these years along with a lifetime of special memories. One of my favorite sayings is, ‘you are always interviewing for your next job’.
“I hope my interviewing has gone well the past 37 years so that this next ‘job’ is the best one yet!”
Judy Koontz
Title I Technician – Wilson Elementary
40 years of service in Nebo
“I have enjoyed all these years working with the children and watching them improve their reading skills. I have worked with great people in the Title I Program. I have also worked with great teachers and principals. I will miss being involved with school.”
Ellen P. Larsen
SPED Teacher – Grades 7th – 9th – Resource Math 7 & 8, Resource Reading, Resource English 9 – Mt. Nebo Junior High
15 years of service in Nebo
Leslie Loftin
Facilitator / CFA – Spanish Oaks Elementary & BYU
31 years of service in Nebo
“I have truly enjoyed the past 31 years with Nebo School District. I have loved working with the students and each one holds a special place in my heart. The faculty and staff of each school I have worked in, mean so much to me. I have learned so much from them and cherish these friendships. I am so grateful for the great opportunities I have been given in this district. Thank you!"
Marlena Losser
Food Services Manager – Payson Junior High
31 years of service in Nebo
“I have enjoyed my 31 years with the Nebo School District. It has gone by too fast."
Mary Anna Lowe
Custodian – Advanced Learning Center
14 years of service in Nebo
Tamra Lybbert
3rd Grade Teacher & Facilitator – Park Elementary
35 years of service in Nebo
“Retirement is bittersweet. I have devoted 35 years to this profession and have loved every position I have had. I've made life-long friends throughout the district and at both BYU and UVU, who have blessed my life in some way. I had the pleasure of teaching some of my own children and always tried to remember, ‘To teach my students the way I would want someone to teach my own children and grandchildren.’ I have loved every age of student I have had the privilege to teach, whether it be the eager little Pre-K's all the way up to the enthusiastic university students who were about to embark on their teaching careers. I cherish my memories of: having my own blank classroom and working so hard to make it an environment children would love, memories of those ‘hard’ kids that I grew to love the most, the precious notes, pictures and broken cookies so proudly gifted me, the sights, smells and sounds of an elementary school, feeling empowered when I learned a new strategy that would help my students, the pranks that my co-workers would pull on me and aid me in pulling , the blood, sweat and tears I mentored new teachers through, hugs to and from students, and most tenderly is the heart I saw my co-workers give to this profession. I have been mentored by and honored to mentor others that I dearly love. I am leaving this profession STILL loving it, which is how I wanted to leave it. I will most definitely miss ‘my peeps’, as they are affectionately referred to. I am looking to this next phase of my life with some apprehension and much excitement. I am from a legacy of educators and proudly leave my own little legacy with my husband and daughters still making a difference every day in education, and MOST importantly ... a child's life.”
Michael McCrillis
Custodian – Payson High
11 years of service in Nebo
Barbara Miner
Kindergarten & 2nd Grade Teacher – Art City Elementary
31 years of service in Nebo
“When I began teaching at Park Elementary School in Spanish Fork, I would look out the window and think, ‘I can't believe they are paying me to do this.’ Now at the end of the journey of teaching for 31 years, I feel gratitude for the opportunity I have had to teach so many sweet children and work with some amazing colleagues and principals in the Nebo School District. I will miss teaching children and seeing the light come on in their eyes when they finally ‘get it.’ I will miss the friendship of colleagues at Art City Elementary and throughout the district, but I am excited for what the future holds in store for my retirement years.”
Lee Moffitt
Carpenter Foreman – District Maintenance
32 years of service in Nebo
Janine Murdock
Finance Secretary – Springville Junior High
27 years of service in Nebo
“I have worked at Springville Junior High School for 27 years under 7 different principals. I started part-time as a technician and have spent the last several years as the finance secretary. I have made so many friends and developed special relationships along the way. I will always value these friendships and am grateful to have rubbed shoulders with so many great colleagues. I have gained a new appreciation for 13 & 14 year old teenagers and will miss their friendly smiles but hope to replace them with the loving smiles of sweet grandchildren as I transition into my new role.”
Mike Murray
Supervisor, Special Education – District Office
40 years of service in Nebo
“Top 10 Things I've learned in my 40 years in Education:
10. Rolling your eyes is not a reflexive action. It can and should be controlled (lesson learned the hard way!)
9. Welcome visitors! If people aren't talking to you about their concerns, they're possibly talking to others about you!
8. The truth will remain hidden until you find the other side of the story.
7. Do not chase snakes or angry children into their lairs. Give it time and give it space! (another lesson learned the hard way!)
6. It's hard to stick your foot in your mouth while listening, and if you've listened with intent to understand, when you do open your mouth you're likely not to put your foot into it.
5. You're always interviewing for your next job!
4. Unexpressed feelings never die. They come out later in uglier ways! ~ Stephen R. Covey
3. It's easier to try, than to prove it can't be done. ~ Justin Heyward
2. Nebo is a pretty great place to work (because of people like you!)
1. That being said, a bad day on the golf course is still better than a good day at work (and I'm looking forward to more of those bad days!!!)”
Gloria Nance
Secondary Literacy / Mentor Specialist – District Office
24 years of service in Nebo
“In 1992 when I started my career at Sage Creek Elementary, I remember reading this Dr. Seuss book with anticipation and excitement:
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
“At that time, I could never have imagined all the great places I would go in Nebo School District. I have had a career full of intellectual stimulation, positive social interaction and deep lasting friendships with both old and young (too many to mention names). I love this profession. I love it because it changes lives and opens the door of opportunity. It has done that for me. To all the good people that I have worked with, I say ‘Thank You’! My life has been blessed because of each and every one of you.
“This same Dr. Seuss book ends with the following:
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So... get on your way!
“It is time to move toward that new ‘mountain.’ The things I have learned and gleaned from my experience at Nebo will only benefit me as I move forward into a new adventure. I feel blessed and grateful for the knowledge and friendships I will take with me. I move forward a better person as a result of the time I spent with the good people of Nebo School District.”
Sandy Nelson
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Teacher – Foothills Elementary
25 years of service in Nebo
“Teaching in Nebo School District has been a very rewarding career. It is with mixed emotions that I am retiring. I have loved teaching young children and they have greatly influenced my life and my love of teaching. I have enjoyed each of the schools where I’ve taught in: Lake Shore Elementary – 2 years, 1st Grade, Salem Elementary – 3 years, Kindergarten, Mt. Loafer Elementary – 16 years Kindergarten, Foothills Elementary – 4 years, Kindergarten. I will miss the dear friends in each school that I have worked with. I thank you all for your passion and determination to provide the best education for the students in Nebo School District.”
Janis Olsen
SPED Technician – Mt. Nebo Junior High
24.5 years of service in Nebo
Jeannine Peterson
Transport Lunch Worker – Mt. Nebo Junior High
22 years of service in Nebo
“I have really enjoyed working for Nebo School District and the wonderful people. It has been great. Thanks!”
Rhonda Proctor
SPED Teacher – Taylor Elementary
26 years of service in Nebo
Cinda V. Richins
Pre-School Technician – Sage Creek Elementary
20 years of service in Nebo
Debra Riggs
Lunch Clerk – Taylor Elementary
22 years of service in Nebo
Todd Roach
10th – 12th Grade Language Arts Teacher – Maple Mountain & Spanish Fork High Schools
27 years of service in Nebo, 3 years with another district
“I have appreciated very much the support of the district, school administrators, colleagues, custodians and secretaries, parents, and most especially my students. I have borrowed philosophy from Abraham Lincoln, who said, ‘I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day.’”
Teddy Spendlove
SPED Title I – K-6th Grade Teacher – Cherry Creek Elementary
27 years of service in Nebo, 8 years with another district
“My connection with students made becoming a teacher an easy decision, although being a teacher has not always been easy. The profession of teaching is like a landscape of mountains and valleys in motion. It requires a teacher to constantly adapt to the shifting of all things related to education and the needs of students, parents, and administration. This mixture of needs can often change as frequently as the weather. The results can be a fulfillment or a frustration. A good teacher learns to appreciate both and endure. Weather is temporary, and ‘April showers bring May flowers.’ These ups and downs have also taught me to value the friendships and collaborations that I have been fortunate in receiving. Thank you for the joyful times, and kindness that so many of you have shared with me. I will miss you all.”
MarJean Strong
Elementary Teacher – Cherry Creek Elementary
23 years of service in Nebo
“Dennis Tuckett, principal at Brookside Elementary, hired me in 1993 as a Title I Technician. I soon found that working with struggling reading and math students was very rewarding. Loss of Title I funding brought about changes; I was transferred to work at Grant and Brockbank Elementary Schools. With the encouragement from Deanna Nyman, then District Title I Director, I pursued my Special Education Endorsement through a program at BYU. In 1998, Mark Balzotti, principal at Grant Elementary, hired me as a Special Education intern. When Grant Elementary was reinstated as a Title I school, Mr. Balzotti, asked me to become part-time Resource and part-time Title I Coordinator. In 2006, Grant closed as an Elementary School, and I moved to Cherry Creek with most of the Grant School faculty.
“Retirement is a bitter-sweet experience for me. The bitter part is leaving relationships with an awesome administrator, Mike Duncan, with paraprofessionals, students, parents, and fellow teachers. The Title I Technicians I’ve worked with at Cherry Creek are skilled, effective, dedicated, and dependable: some of the best in Nebo School District. I will miss seeing some of my own grandchildren during the school day. The sweetness of this new chapter in my life is to have much more time for family activities, additional travel, and further church service.”
Sandy Sutton
2nd Grade Teacher – Art City Elementary
26 years of service in Nebo, 5 years with another district
“This has been an amazing ride. I have loved being a part of this educational family and the many people who have touched my life in so many ways. I have been taught, influenced, and guided by the most inspiring people. I am thankful I have been able to use those teachings in my journey as an educator. Thanks to Art City Elementary. I love this school with all my heart and the treasured people whom I consider lifelong friends. There is nothing better than leaving your home every morning to go to your second home at work, where you feel loved and accepted.
“Thank you to the amazing families of Art City and for the students who have left little footprints all over my heart. I have watched dozens of children grow into incredible young adults and I am sincerely proud of them. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life.”
Kim Taylor
Payroll Clerk – District Office
35 years of service in Nebo
Paula Thorstrom
Resource Teacher – Rees Elementary
20.5 years of service in Nebo
“I have loved working with the children, families, and staff of Nebo School District. I'm excited to be moving on to the next phase of my life, but I will miss the daily associations I have enjoyed so much, working with people who truly care and support each other and give their best to the kids. I have learned a lot that I hope to take with me.”
Samuel Tsugawa
Orchestra Teacher – Springville High
27.5 years of service in Nebo
Rowene Vest
Secondary Education Secretary – District Office
28 years of service in Nebo
“I have been privileged to work in the same office with my husband for 15 years in Nebo School District. Now I am even more privileged to spend the rest of my life with him enjoying the benefits of retirement. Nebo has been the greatest place to work on this earth. I am grateful for the relationships my husband and I have in Nebo. We will truly miss everyone. Thanks for a wonderful ride!”
William W. Vest
Food Service Supervisor – District Office
15 years of service in Nebo
“I began working with Nebo when I was 16. I should have stayed because the past 15 years have been wonderful! How can anyone do better than working with 250 lunch ladies who love their work and serve with ‘Warm Hearts and Happy Faces.’ It has been a joy to rub shoulders with professionals in Nebo School District. I have learned so much by being here and wish you all the very best. What a dream come true to ride off into the sunset with the love of my life! Yes, Rowene and I have been married for 47 years. We'll miss you and we'll stop and say ‘Hi’ when we can.
“WE LOVE NEBO (Never A Better Opportunity) to serve student, faculty and staff. Take care and keep smiling.”
Craig E. Wright
10th-12th Grade Counselor – Payson High
29 years of service in Nebo
“It has been a great experience the last 29 years. I have really enjoyed working with students, parents, teachers and administrators.”
