Pirates sail into retirement

PERKINS TWP. — A group of longtime Pirates said farewell to their district as they embarked on their retirement journeys. Perkins Schools said goodbye to 11 staff members who retired at the end of the 2025-26 school year. This year's retirees include: • Karen Belavich • Amy Chamberlain • Marcia Collart • Lyn Fox • Terri Mullins • Maureen Rosekelly • Shelly Roth • John Stout • Sandy Taylor • Kathy Thompson • Stacy Witter Special sendoffs Principals from each district building shared a few words about their colleagues. • John Stout Through his time as a teacher at Perkins Schools, Stout has filled his years with highlights and nominations, according to Briar Middle School principal Jeff Thom. He specifically recognized the work he has put into the district's partnership with NASA through its Foras Promineo satellite project and yearly robotic competitions. "Year in and year out, no matter the project or assignment, the work his students produced has been second to none," Thom said. "People throughout the ed-tech and robotics world know John by name and have gotten to experience the great programs he has built over the years." • Maureen Rosekelly Thom described Rosekelly as "a staple figure" at the middle school who brought so much to the table during her time at the district. She was involved in the school community, served in mentorship roles for teachers, gave years of union leadership and was a "gold standard" intervention specialist. "Her grit and can-do attitude has guided many of our teachers and staff through professional and personal challenges, all while she dealt with some pretty heavy hardships in her own life," Thom said. Last year, Maureen Rosekelly and her son, Will Rosekelly, spoke to the Register about enduring the sudden loss of Maureen's husband/Will's father, Jeffery Rosekelly, who died of a heart attack in 2023 and, subsequently, learning that Maureen had Stage 4 cancer. "Faith, family and friends have gotten William — us — this far and will continue to guide him — us — as we navigate the future," Maureen previously told the Register. • Karen Belavich The last five years of Belavich's career were spent impacting staff and students as an intervention specialist at the middle school. "Through her one-of-a-kind approach to teaching and learning, Karen helped our kids discover who they can become with a little hard work, grit and perseverance," Thom said. "Many of our Perkins Schools students found their identity in her classroom over the years, and Karen's influence of gratitude, kindness and respect for those she worked with was well-noted." • Marcia Collart Collart's career as a teacher at Perkins Schools was defined by dedication and her masterful classroom instruction, according to Meadowlawn Intermediate School principal, Jeremy Hiser. He said Collart was known for her preparation and focus on her students' academic growth and was a pillar of the teaching staff. "Her deep perspective and commitment to continuous school improvement made her a trusted voice and a valued adviser within the building," Hiser said. "Her legacy of high standards and academic excellence will influence Meadowlawn for years to come." • Shelly Roth As an intervention specialist, Roth was a passionate advocate for student success, according to Hiser. She was always the first to the building in the morning to ensure her room was welcoming and to better the school hallways. "Mrs. Roth's data-driven approach to small-group reading instruction was nothing short of a work of art, consistently guiding her students to meet and exceed their learning goals," Roth said. "Her unique ability to push students to do their best while joyfully celebrating their milestones with sweet rewards will be dearly missed." • Sandy Taylor Through her 32 years at the intermediate school, Taylor poured her heart into the classroom as a teacher, according to Hiser. She incorporated students' backgrounds and life experiences into the lessons she taught. "She was widely recognized as a safe harbor and a shelter for any student in need of extra support or encouragement," Hiser said. "Teaching straight from the heart, her vibrant energy made her classroom a place where students truly wanted to be." • Kathy Thompson Thompson rounded out her career as the Meadowlawn Intermediate School and Furry Elementary School's librarian after serving the district for 31 years. She constantly went above and beyond to support members of the district while embodying a servant's heart, Hiser said. "Her deep-rooted Perkins pride and respectful nature set a daily example of what it means to be a Perkins Pirate," Hiser said. "Through her kindness and dedication to literacy, she fostered a lifelong love of learning and community within the school library." • Lyn Fox Dedicating 20 years to the district, Fox was known for her wit and sense of humor in her paraprofessional role, according to Hiser. He said Fox filled the school's halls with "unmatched joy and lighthearted energy." "Mrs. Fox possessed a passion for working with students who required extra support, consistently positioning herself as a champion and a fierce advocate for the underdog," Hiser said. "Her unique ability to combine laughter with unwavering encouragement helped countless students find their confidence and thrive." • Terri Mullins Acting as head secretary of Furry Elementary School, Mullins was the first voice and face the youngest students at the district would see every day. She set a warm and welcoming tone for the building, according to elementary school principal Eric Kaman. "Mrs. Mullins was renowned for managing daily challenges with grace and absolute ease, consistently keeping the front office running smoothly," Kaman said. "Her steadfast support, kindness and dedication made her an invaluable anchor for Furry Elementary School families and staff members alike." • Stacy Witter Witter's career as a reading specialist teacher was impactful, according to Kaman. He said she was committed to meeting struggling readers' needs and empowering teachers with resources and data needed to make instructional decisions. "Known for her calm demeanor, steady guidance and immense kindness, she was a trusted anchor for the teaching staff," Kaman said. "Above all, Stacy remained fiercely focused on the success of her students, ensuring every child received the support needed to unlock a lifelong love of reading." • Amy Chamberlain During her 26 years at Perkins High School, Chamberlain's dedication, passion and patience in teaching have impacted generations of students, according to high school principal Jeff Harbal. "Through every equation solved, every problem explained and every student encouraged, she has inspired confidence, curiosity and a love of learning," Harbal said. Chamberlain is an educator who has gone above and beyond, according to Harbal. She will be remembered for her chocolate chip cookies gifted to her students during exam days. "We thank her for her 33 total years in education and wish her the best of luck in her retirement," Harbal said.