Au revoir to the red and white

PORT CLINTON — Port Clinton Schools sent off its most recent list of retirees with special recognition at a recent board of education meeting. At the end of the 2024-25 school year, Port Clinton approved three retirees who had a collective 103 years of experience within the district. They all said their goodbyes to colleagues, students and their careers in education. Toby Farrell Bataan Intermediate bid farewell to its music teacher, Toby Farrell, who had worked at the district since 1990. When she first joined, Farrell brought a "boundless passion for music," which she shared with the elementary students in the district, according to superintendent Pat Adkins, recognizing her at the board meeting. "Toby's creative and delightful elementary music programs are nothing short of legendary," Adkins said. "Her programs often featured cameo appearances by principals and educators, captivating audiences and inspiring students to explore the wonders of music." Farrell was described as a "fire starter," igniting students' love of music and encouraging them to take part in activities offered at the school like bell choir, show choir and recorder choir at the board meeting. Officials said her dedication to music education has been the reason for the district's multiple BEST Communities in Music Education recognitions, a national honor presented by a national organization promoting music education. "As Toby embarks on her well-deserved retirement, we acknowledge her tireless efforts that have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students," Adkins said. "We wish Toby all the best in this new chapter of her life, and are forever grateful for the impact she has made at Port Clinton Schools." John Hazzard John Hazzard retired from Port Clinton Middle School as he finished out his 33-year-long career in education as a math teacher. Hazzard started his career in the 1992-93 school year as a long-term substitute. Through his decades of experience, colleagues said he has impacted students at not only Port Clinton Middle School but also the former Portage Elementary. His responsibilities continued outside of the classroom and onto the mats and field as Hazzard also served as head wrestling coach, assistant wrestling coach, middle school wrestling coach, head girls golf coach, freshman football coach, assistant varsity football coach, reserve baseball coach and youth sports director. "As John embarks on this new chapter, we extend our gratitude for his dedication to the Port Clinton Schools and our students," Adkins said. Scott Cross The last retiree of the 2024-25 school year was Scott Cross, resource intervention specialist, from Port Clinton High School. Cross did not want to be fully honored at the board meeting, according to what officials read during his recognition. He only asked officials to say, "Scott Cross is retiring May 31, 2025." "Perhaps he was just being humble because since he was hired in 1990, he has been our 'Jack of all trades' here at Port Clinton Schools," Adkins said. A few of Cross' achievements included bringing biddy wrestling to the city, he was a head or assistant in a variety of sports and acted as an assistant athletic director. His role as an educator is more extensive. He sat on several chairs, teams and boards. "Scott's commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom," Adkins said. "He is the heart of the (Port Clinton High School) Beacon program, transporting students to potential future career sites and fostering connections with the community. Additionally, he has served as a Class Advisor, Teachers of Tomorrow Adviser and Lead Like a Redskin program leader." Cross's most significant contributions to the school, according to Adkins, have been as the co-advisor of the high school's leadership council for decades. "While he has always given credit to the students, it is his guidance that has helped make the (Port Clinton High School) leadership council an example for other schools to emulate," Adkins said. "Thank you, Scott Cross, for all you have done for Port Clinton Schools and enjoy a well-deserved retirement."