13 Rockets retire

OAK HARBOR — The final bell of the school year marked the start of students' summer and the end of these retirees' careers. Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools' 13 retirees dedicated over 357 years of service to the district, according to superintendent Cathy Bergman. "Their impact on our students, staff and community has been truly profound," Bergman said. "Through their compassion, commitment and countless acts of kindness, they have touched the hearts of so many and helped shape the culture of our district." Retirees were sent off with messages and gifts thanking them for their service. Benton-Carroll-Salem retirees: • Tiffany Alexander, reading specialist, 32 years in education • Cassy Dornbusch, reading specialist, 33 years in education The retired reading specialists supported reluctant readers with patience and determination, according to Bergman. "Through sight words, fluency practice and approximately one million bookmarks, you helped students grow in confidence and curiosity," Bergman said. "The love of learning you inspired will continue long after students leave your classroom." • George Bergman, physical education teacher, 40 years in education "Beyond dodgeballs flying at alarming speeds and the occasional mysterious gym floor squeak, you taught teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship and confidence," Bergman said. The district "is stronger because of you, and you will truly be missed." • Laurie Buhrow, classroom assistant, 23 years in education Buhrow is the glue, duct tape and emergency snack provider of the classroom, according to Bergman. She ties shoes, controls chaos and finds missing pencils with patience and a smile. "Teachers, students and staff relied on you more than you probably realize," Bergman said. "Thank you for your dedication, flexibility and ability to survive elementary germs, glitter and mystery sticky substances." • Deb Dunn, food services, 25 years in education Dunn spent her years at the district "serving smiles" with breakfast and lunch. "You served thousands of meals with kindness, efficiency and incredible patience — even during the lunch rush chaos when everyone suddenly needed three extra ketchup packets at the exact same time," Bergman said. "Your hard work behind the scenes helped fuel learning every single day." • Cheryl Laughlin, bus driver, 32 years in education During her time at the district, Laughlin has gone the extra mile every day, according to Bergman. She thanked Laughlin for transporting students in all road and weather conditions. "Being a bus driver requires patience, nerves of steel and the ability to keep your eyes on the road while somehow hearing everything happening 12 rows behind you," Bergman said. "Your friendly smile each morning and afternoon helped start and end students' days on a positive note." • Crystal Lipstraw, custodian, 26 years in education Lipstraw is the "behind-the-scenes hero" performing miracles every day while others make messes, according to Bergman. "Thank you for taking pride in our buildings and helping create a safe, clean and welcoming environment for students and staff," Bergman said. "We are incredibly grateful for everything you have done for the BCS family." • Jackie Macko, secretary, 28 years in education Macko is the "command center" of her building, according to Bergman. She answered phones, solved problems, calmed parents, tracked students, did paperwork and knew where everyone was at all times. "Your multitasking abilities deserve their own Olympic event," Bergman said. "Thank you for keeping the office running with grace, humor and just the right amount of controlled chaos. We appreciate you more than words can say." • Sue Seeger, nurse, after a 46-year career in nursing, she was a school nurse for 10 years Seeger was in charge of the school ice packs and band-aids with her "magical healing powers," according to Bergman. "From playground bumps and mystery rashes to forgotten medications and sudden fevers, you handled every situation with calmness," Bergman said. "Thank you for helping keep the BCS family healthy, safe and cared for each and every day." • Beth Sugalski, guidance counselor, 30 years in education Sugalski acted as "a steady source of encouragement, support and wisdom" for staff and students, according to Bergman. She has helped students through a variety of obstacles like navigating friendships, stress and other ups and downs of growing up. "You listened, guided, encouraged and somehow managed to solve problems that started with, 'Well … it all happened at lunch,'" Bergman said. "Your patience and compassion made a lasting impact on countless students." • Scott Zeitzheim, science teacher, 31 years in education "Thank you for sparking curiosity, encouraging discovery and making science come alive for your students," Zeitzheim said. "You made a difference in the lives of countless students, and your contributions to B-C-S Schools are deeply appreciated." • Brenda Bear, bus driver, 27 years in education Bear was there for students at the start and end of their days. "Navigating early mornings, unpredictable weather, traffic and a bus full of boundless energy requires a special kind of superhero," Bergman said. "You didn't just drive a route; you created a safe, welcoming space where every child felt cared for." • Mark Wilburn, custodial, 24 years in education Wilburn is an "invaluable" part of the district, according to Bergman. He tackled messes, kept the buildings safe and welcoming with the pride and care he had for the space and built a community the district could be proud of. "'Like Mr. Clean, you've spent your career making everything around you shine, tackling every mess with a smile," Bergman said. "Your work has left a lasting mark on this place, not just in the halls and rooms, but in the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of working with you." Bergman wished the retirees the best in their futures. "While they will be greatly missed, we are deeply grateful for the lasting legacy they leave behind and wish each of them nothing but happiness and good health in this well-deserved next chapter of their lives," Bergman said.