Hewitt: District 58 celebrates its 2015 retirees

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 closed yet another successful school year June 5. We wished our students and staff a happy summer vacation, and we also took time to celebrate a very special group in the District 58 community: our 2015 retirees.

This year’s retirees comprise a smaller group than usual – 10 in total – yet their contributions to District 58 are bountiful. The group carries a combined 257 years of service to District 58. And while their jobs and work locations vary widely, they all hold one common denominator: each and every one of them has left a deep impression on the District 58 community, and they will be dearly missed.

During a recent retiree celebration, each retiree’s supervisor – whether principal or administrator – shared insights regarding the retiree’s years of service, telling short stories illustrating each retiree’s impact on District 58. They lauded the retirees on their dedication, expertise and ability to adapt to change.

For example, Indian Trail Principal Robin Bruebach remarked that her school’s two retirees, teachers Tianna Kurko and Kathleen Tice, both enthusiastically incorporated new technologies, such as iPads, into their classrooms and have embraced the new opportunities the technology has created. Herrick Principal Matt Neustadt complimented Instructional Assistant Lynn Putz on her willingness to always help out where needed. O’Neill Principal Matt Durbala thanked Speech Therapist Gloria Tatar for her organization, positive demeanor and flexibility. Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli thanked Principal Paula Thomas for her incredible passion, creativity, inspiration and love for her students and community.

Without further ado, congratulations to District 58’s 2015 retirees! Thank you for your many years of service, and best of luck in all your future endeavors.

Brad Patterson, night custodian at Herrick, 39 years; Tom Sheber, maintenance mechanic at Longfellow Center, 37 years; Steve Boughton, head custodian at Herrick Middle School, 35 years; Kathleen Tice, third grade teacher at Indian Trail, 34 years; Tianna Kurko, first grade teacher at Indian Trail, 25 years; Leslie Brouillet, instructional assistant at Whittier, 23 years; Paul Sheber, night custodian at Kingsley, 21 years; Gloria Tatar, speech therapist at Fairmount and O’Neill, 18 years; Lynn Putz, instructional assistant at Herrick, 16 years; Paula Thomas, principal at Hillcrest, 9 years.

Megan Hewitt is the Communications Relations Coordinator for District 58.