From left to right, Robert Tyynismaa, Lon Wilkerson, Micki Stonewall, and Seth Koch all smile with their retirement bells. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Mere hours after students were dismissed on their final day of school, the staff of STC gathered in the high school gymnasium to celebrate retirees and a long year of learning. This year’s edition of the retirement and service awards looked different due to time constraint after hours ran short due and the schedule was altered throughout the course of the year.

Traditionally accompanied by breakfast, this year the event was in the afternoon and offered light refreshments to staff and the families of retirees. Noticeably different was the absence of the TrojanWay awards apart from one exception, being awarded to Seth Koch as he will not return in the fall.

While many things changed, Superintendent John Cain delivering an opening address remained the same.

Cain talked a lot about relaxation and the value of time.

“Let’s relax and enjoy the next few moments. We’re here today for a special occasion. We’re gathered to recognize a few of you for some special awards like years of service in advance degrees. In addition, we’re here to celebrate our colleagues and their achievements,” he said. “Congratulations, retirees. Job well done and well deserved. Mikki. Seth. Robert, and Lon. Your achievement is no longer off in the distance. It’s arrived. The day has come and the hour has struck. It’s your time for this well deserved moment. that we call retirement. You’ve earned the moment, and now time is all about you to decide. The gift of retirement is the gift of time, the gift to yourself, for those years of dedication to South Tama County Community School District.”

Superintendent John Cain opened the end of year award ceremony with a speech, mentoning relaxation and honoring retirees. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

After Cain’s speech, staff were then recognized for years of service to the district, being honored for 5,10,15,20,25, and 30 years of service.

Five years of service

Kelsea Anderson, Samantha Boldt, Steve Chyma, Kenadie Geiger, Cory Kroeger, Hillary Port, Katelyn Schuett, Cody Taylor, Madison Winkleman and Lesley Youngbear.

10 years of service

Carla Coates, Denise Danker, Sarah Dostal, Crystal Hass, Whitney Hauser, Sarah Novotny, John Purk, Janet Rivers, Steve Schuett, April Van Dee, Laura Wall and Ellen Waterbury.

15 years of service

Scott Bolen, Naomi Chyma, Brintley Elsbury, Paula Graves and Nate Van Dyke.

20 years of service

Melinda Martens, Amy Parizek and Kelli Smith.

25 years of service

Jeri Ellenbecker, Jonathan Huebner, Dan Lopez, Steve McAdoo and Janelle Quigley.

The lone educator recognized for 30 years in the South Tama Community School District was Kathy Wilkerson.

In December, the school board decided to only offer four spots for staff members to take early retirement. The four staff members who opted to apply and received that incentive were Seth Koch, Micki Stonewall, Robert Tyynismaa and Lon Wilkerson.

Both Koch and Wilkerson served in various roles in the district for 33 years each, while Stonewall achieved 22 years of service. Robert Tyynismaa was recognized for his 19 years in the district and being the first STC cross country coach to lead a team to the state meet.

Together their experiences total over a hundred years within the various buildings of the district, touching the lives of many.