Mary Ann Vidourek

CANYON CITY — Grant School District No. 3 is bidding a fond farewell to four retiring staff members who were honored at the June 8 school board meeting.

The retirees include: Humbolt Elementary librarian Bonnie Zick (30 years), Humbolt educational assistant Suzy Burton (29 years), Grant Union and Humbolt band and choir director Mary Ann Vidourek (25 years) and Grant Union English teacher Sandy Brown (11 years).

Zick has worked in the middle schools and elementary school for the district, and said working with the younger students has been especially enjoyable.

“One of the reasons I love coming back to this job day after day is because I love the kids,” she said.

The librarian said she plans to stay in the area and spend more time with her children, attend her grandchildren’s sporting events, quilt and read.

Over the years, Burton has worked mainly with first-grade students, most recently in Mandy Ipson’s classroom, and in third-grade and kindergarten classes, also assisting students in Title I reading and math groups.

“What I’m going to miss most is my relationships with the kids,” she said, adding it’s also been fun to work with her daughter, third-grade teacher Caroline Colson at Humbolt.

On the last day of school, one young boy told Burton he’ll miss her. She said not to worry, she’ll see him next year when she returns as a substitute teacher. She said she plans to spend more time with her husband, traveling and camping.

Vidourek, who teaches elementary through high school students, plans to move to Redmond to be closer to children and grandchildren. She’ll still be involved in some of her musical pursuits and plans to continue her embroidery business. She said she’s enjoyed giving students the tools to become musicians.

“When they learn music, that is something they have for the rest of their lives,” she said. “It’s a lifelong skill.”

Brown has been an educator for 27 years, she taught at a one-room schoolhouse in Frenchglen before working for the Grant School District where she began teaching sixth-grade English at Mt. Vernon Middle School, then freshman English at Grant Union.

She attended her last set of sixth-grade students’ graduation on June 4. Brown plans to move to The Dalles, closer to her parents and daughters. She said she’s asked herself if she has any transferable skills.

“If I can get freshmen boys and girls to like Shakespeare, I can probably do anything else,” she said.

Cleaning out her classroom closets, she’s come across writing and posters her students have made over the years.

“There are some great examples, I’d like to keep,” she said.

She added she’s enjoyed meeting students in the classroom when they’re 10 or 11 and having them in class again as freshmen.

“You already have a connection with those kids,” she said. “It’s the relationship with the students that I’ve enjoyed the most.”

District Superintendent Curt Shelley said the employees’ “94 years of combined service will not be replaceable.”

He quoted Robert Fulghum, who said, “Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.”

“In the case of our four retirees, they did not have to worry about either,” he said. “They had the respect of the student’s ear, and were great role models. All four retirees made our system better.”

In addition to the four retirees, Grant School District No. 3 officials honored school volunteers.

Special education and TAG director Robyn Miller recognized Humbolt Elementary School’s Friday Academy volunteers: Dr. Colleen Robertson, animal science; Georgia Boethin, animal science; Rich Lallatin, math games; and Amelia Harman, art class and shading techniques.

Miller gave special recognition to Gail and Shirley Enright for hosting the fourth annual Elk’s Buddy Fishing Day at their residence and Connie Wood who helped coordinated the event through the John Day Elk’s Lodge.

Grant Union Athletic Director Jason Miller acknowledged Russ and Tara Young, who paid students’ spring athletic fees and athletic fees for all of next year.

Grant Union Principal Ryan Gerry acknowledged Aspire volunteers, including Chris Cronin. Gerry said the program helps prepare students post high school.

Humbolt Principal Kim Smith acknowledged Shanna Northway, OSU extension agent, for assisting with Friday Academy activities and Lauren and Dustin Berry for their hours of volunteer work to improve the school’s campus.