Beth Metzger’s coworkers say she is the epitome of warmth and caring.

After working as an office assistant for International Truck Company, Beth began working for Tahoma in 1990 -- at first as a RAP (Reading Assistance Program) paraeducator. She later worked as a computer lab specialist at Lake Wilderness Elementary followed by Tahoma High School, then a building technician at THS and finally as a Desktop Support Technician for the district Technology Department.

“Beth learned on the run -- new technology, programs and complex interfaces. She was dedicated to Tahoma, her community and our schools. Beth’s professionalism, work ethic and a helper mindset made her a trusted, respected employee serving both staff and students for many years at Tahoma High School,” Principal Terry Duty said. “Beth was always a class act. From her stylish dress to her professionalism in working with both staff and students. Students always felt valued and heard by Beth, while staff often commented on how friendly and warm she was to work with. She opened her home to all staff for ornament parties and often brought treats in to share just to brighten people’s day.”

In addition to other jobs and assignments, Beth also assisted in teaching technology classes to district staff members. “It was great to see so many staff from around the district and help where I could,” she said. Attending Green River College with other Tech personnel to earn her A+ Certification helped Beth gain additional knowledge and skills, she added.

Technology Operations Supervisor Doug Eash said that Beth’s positive, helpful attitude was one of her biggest strengths. “Beth is very conscientious and cared deeply about helping staff quickly resolve any tech issues they were facing,” Doug said. He noted that she was known to be a skilled cook, and brought interesting food such as homemade elk jerky and sausage to Tech Department celebrations.

Tahoma High School math teacher Jami Suhoversnik also underscored Beth’s welcoming and friendly personality. “Non-techies feel comfortable going to her,” Suhoversnik said, adding that Beth was always quick to respond to tech issues. “It was amazing having her at the old high school. She could come directly to your room if needed and/or was easily accessible, being in the building. … (Beth) made you feel as though you had been her friend forever!”

One of Beth’s coworkers, Rhonda Watson, described her as very dedicated. “She was here and wanted to be here helping people every day of her 30 years,” Watson said, noting that she knew everyone by name and had a genuine interest in how people were doing. “We truly miss her at buildings and in our Tech Department. I remember the first day I met with her and the other members of the Tech Department like it was yesterday. It was the beginning of a great working relationship as well as a great relationship.”

Former coworker Jim Lagerquist said that Beth is one of the most organized, efficient, and pleasant co-workers that he worked with during his many years in Tahoma. “We met when she was the computer lab assistant at LWES and I was the district’s technology coordinator,” Lagerquist recalled. “I could always count on Beth. She kept the lab in great shape and provided quality assistance to the teachers when their students were working in the lab. She also was a pleasure to work with when she became a support technician for the district’s Technology Department. Beth was direct, friendly, professional and you could trust that whatever job she was doing would be done well. We became very good friends over the years.”

Beth said that she and her husband plan to spend time traveling in their new trailer and enjoying their grandchildren, and that she also enjoys cooking, baking and trying out new recipes.

“I loved working for Tahoma,” she added. “I learned so much and made some lasting friendships.”

We loved having you on Team Tahoma, Beth, and we wish you a wonderful retirement!

In the 35 years since Dale Lehman began teaching at Tahoma High School, he has traveled 32 times to the Ellensburg area with geology students for “Fire and Ice” field camp, studying an ancient lahar deposit. Dale teaches CWU geology, AP environmental science and Biology with Earth Systems, and drivers education. In years past, Dale has also taught French, English and math. In 2014, he was recognized with the “Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award Winners Pacific Northwest Section” award.

“Dale is a true renaissance man of educators,” THS Principal Terry Duty said. “From biology to the earth sciences he led the science department as the department chair for over a decade. An adjunct professor at University of Washington and Central Washington University in Geology, Dale is well known in the Pacific Northwest for his knowledge of Washington geology and frequently teaches adult education classes on area geology.”

Teachers and staff at THS spend a lot of time supporting students -- academically and personally. It’s one of the reasons Dale says he has stayed with Tahoma for so long. “I like to engage with students on a personal level to help them feel connected to the ‘Tahoma Family.’ I also spend a great deal of work helping them become academically responsible,” he said. This year, he is also mentoring several seniors for their STEP (Senior Transition Exit Plan) work. “I enjoy working with teenagers,” Dale said. “It is satisfying to see them grow into responsible young people while they are at Tahoma. I also enjoy their energy and excitement!”

Over the past 30 years, Dale has mined many valuable memories with his colleagues. He said he appreciates the flexibility they have shown in the past year in particular, and their willingness to step up and get the job done. “There is a reason why I chose to spend my entire career here,” Dale said. “There is a pervasive philosophy at Tahoma that stresses the value of people as individuals. People matter at Tahoma -- staff, students, parents are all part of an inclusive family. Although I may not be working at THS next year, I will always feel a part of that family.”

One member of the Tahoma family, Superintendent Mike Hanson, said that as a young teacher, he was greatly influenced by Dale. “He served as an incredible leader to a team of teachers that was very focused on serving students. His organization and passion for this spilled over into other teams as well,” Hanson said. “He loved seeing the spark in students as they discovered the wonders of geology. His trips around Washington were something that kids would talk about for many years after they graduated. I am thankful for the mentoring and support he provided me and to so many other staff members during his fantastic career. His reach stretched well beyond his own classroom.”

Dale recalls that one of his long-time colleagues, Bill Pringle, used to joke with him that he would still be at the same desk at Tahoma when he retired. “Although I now have a much nicer new desk, he was right -- I stayed at Tahoma my entire career,” Dale said.

In retirement, he plans to spend a great deal of time hiking, camping and skiing, as well as continuing to teach geology and the natural world through extension programs at local colleges and community centers; additionally he will remain active as president of the Puget Lobe Chapter of the Ice Ages Floods Institute. Dale, we are flooded with gratitude for the knowledge and expertise that you have shared with Tahoma students, families and staff in the past 35 years. We wish you a retirement full of memorable moments that sparkle like gems.

Debra Shea was always the type of employee who arrived early and stayed late, Principal Jerry Gaston recalls.

“(Debie) is collaborative in the highest sense of the word. She not only listens carefully to others who come to her, but also actively seeks out partnerships to better serve our students,” Debie said. “She takes her work very personally and knows that in our field, the potential to make lifetime impacts on students is both a gift and a responsibility. In a school of over 700 students, she amazes me each year that by mid-September she knows every one of them by name, and also treats each of them as valued individuals. Her cooperation and genuine care are exemplary.”

Debie started working as a substitute in Nutrition Services in 2002. She had been looking for a part-time, low key position after leaving a high stress account manager position, she recalls. During her time with Tahoma, Debie worked as central kitchen assistant manager, worked in the kitchens and cashier at Shadow Lake, Maple View and Tahoma High School. “My favorite was (working as) cashier at Shadow Lake. I loved the students, and the staff is amazing … everyone there was just so nice!”

Like Gaston, Debie’s former coworker Eileen Bayer recalls how Debie always greeted each student by name. “If they were having a rough day, it made their day a little better. She came to work every day, was a very reliable employee and a good friend,” Bayer said. “She was willing to help out where needed after her cashiering duties were done.”

Debie also worked as a sub in the district’s Extended Enrichment Program, and volunteered her time to help at the Santa breakfast event. “No liquid eggs that year! We cracked too many dozens of real eggs to count!” she recalls. She enjoyed helping with PSE’s “Stuff the Bus event” to collect food donations for the Maple Valley Food Bank, and also loved watching the Veterans Day program at Shadow Lake. “I always tried to do my part to help in some small way, donating cards, doing something special for one family,” Debie said. “One year I made single flower corsages and boutonnieres for all of the attending veterans. That was a lot of fun and stressful considering it was the first time I ever did that. Everyone loved them and that was all that mattered!”

In retirement, Debie said she plans to spend more time with family, shoot guns at the range with her friends and go to the beach more often. As she put it, “Do whatever, whenever -- no more alarm clock and no more schedule!”

Thank you, Debie, for your ability to call each student by name, and your big heart for helping others. We hope you have many great days at the beach and the range, on any schedule you desire!

Those who know Bud Cross the best say that he is truly a legend in the district and in our broader Tahoma community.

The Summit Trail Middle School teacher is known for his excellent homemade jerky, and for his amazing science experiments including a memorable one involving the speed of sound and a powder rifle. “The first time I met Bud I was instantly impressed with his knowledge about basically anything,” fellow teacher Katrina Alegado said. “Need to teach a new topic? He has ideas! Need something fixed, built, cooked, ordered, made, created? Bud can literally do and teach anything. Students always enjoyed being in his class because he truly cares about every kid and their success, while having fun teaching. He has always been an incredible resource and reference for our science department,” Katrina continued.

Bud began working for Tahoma in September of 1988 after teaching in the Kittitas School District and working as a model maker at the Boeing Wind Tunnel. His first job with Tahoma was teaching seventh grade math and science at Tahoma Junior High, where he worked for six years. Later Bud taught at Glacier Park Middle School and the next iteration of Tahoma Junior High, where Summit Trail is now located, moving to eighth grade science. He then branched out to become a STEM teacher, teaching Design and Modeling, Robotics and Automation, Green Architecture, Energy and the Environment, Medical Detectives, and Flight and Space a couple of years later. After 16 years at Tahoma Junior High, the building transitioned into Summit Trail Middle School where Bud has taught for the past four years.

Summit Trail Principal Sean Cassidy said that Bud was early to get to work and late to leave. “He dedicates so much of his time supporting students and parents. If a child ever needed help with a project, even of a personal interest, Bud would find time to help them work through their project. If a staff member asked for technical help, support, or any other concern, again, he would offer his help and see it through. A gentleman, scholar, mechanic, a true renaissance man!”

Through the years, Bud also coached softball, fastpitch, boys and girls basketball and track, and was the FTC Robotics advisor for many years. “For all these positions, I will always remember the smiles on a student's face when they were able to accomplish a difficult task for the first time,” Bud said. “The smile was always my reward for their achievement. I will also always remember those students who would not give up until the achievement had been accomplished.”

Among his most memorable experiences are being invited to graduation parties for former students who have earned their Masters degrees in science, with notes explaining that they pursued a degree in science because of the interest Bud helped them foster. “I will also cherish the memory of being at a robotics competition and having a team set up next to ours and seeing that team struggle and having Tahoma team members drop what they were doing to go help them. That was my confirmation that I was working with students who understood the concept of Community Contributor,” he said.

“I have enjoyed working under the model the district has encouraged that we are all in this together; no private contractors,” Bud continued. “We share our work and responsibilities, so we can all do the best we can to teach students to become responsible members of society.”

After retirement, Bud plans to work on projects at his house, and then move on to projects at others’ homes, to help friends and family. We are grateful for the decades of time that you have spent teaching and inspiring Tahoma students, Bud, and we wish you countless happy hours on your many future projects!

Colleagues say they will miss the way Glacier Park Elementary teacher Laura Morrow cares for her students, families and fellow staff, and that she simply has a way about her that makes her students feel comfortable and loved.

“Laura is one of the kindest, most loving and enthusiastic teachers I've ever worked with,” said Jeanne Lagerquist, one of Laura’s former coworkers and friends. “She has a gentle demeanor and instantly puts students, parents, and colleagues at ease. She's very serious about education and provides multiple learning opportunities and experiences for her students,” Lagerquist said.

“Laura is sought out as a mentor teacher and has trained multiple student teachers to enter the profession. She's easy to work with, never holds back her opinion, but willingly listens to and honors the opinions of others,” she continued. “(Laura’s) classroom is active, fun, and a joyful place for all who enter, particularly her students. She welcomes parent volunteers, TSD student interns, and student teachers into her world.”

Laura taught for eight years at Lake Wilderness Elementary, then at a Kent school for four years, and, for the past 19 years at Glacier Park elementary, where she currently teaches first grade. She has taught both first and second grade, and for many of her years, looped with her students from first to second grade. In addition, she has served as a representative on the Instructional Leadership Team and mentored six student teachers.

“I have loved working and living in the same community,” Laura said. “It has been a joy to watch my students learn and grow as they progress through the Tahoma School District, catch up with families at the grocery store and have my former students return to the area with their young children.”

Glacier Park Principal Shelly Gaston says that Laura is an integral member of the Glacier Park staff and of the Tahoma School District. “She has touched the lives of countless students, student teachers and colleagues and it is truly hard to imagine Glacier Park without her,” Gaston said. “Laura wants every student and staff member to be successful, and she shows us that time and time again. Year after year, Laura's students grow leaps and bounds, both academically and socially. The magic that takes place in her classroom is hard to replicate. Fortunately, she has hosted many student teachers who have had the opportunity to learn from her and I know that her legacy will continue.”

In retirement, Laura said she can’t wait to spend more time with family, explore new areas of the United States and the world, and use the new set of golf clubs that is waiting for her to learn how to play. She might even get a few golf tips from a guy she met in her first year of teaching, her husband and former Tahoma Superintendent, Rob Morrow.

Tahoma has been so lucky to have you as part of our learning community, Laura. We wish you miles and miles of happy traveling, lovely memories with family and the best of luck on the golf course!

Known among her colleagues as a true advocate for children, Teresa Mjelde is an educator who says she always knew that she wanted to work for Tahoma. Her grandfather, Art Johnson, graduated from Tahoma in the class of ‘33, and her mother, Suzy Johnson Hodges, graduated in 1963. “I always wanted to teach in this small, remote district,” Teresa recalls.

When she was in college, Teresa’s mother worked as a central office secretary. “She helped me get my foot in the door as the very first student teacher in the Tahoma School District,” noting that the Voice in the Valley ran her photo in the paper that year. Pat Ashley-Hill was her supervising teacher at Cedar River Elementary when it was serving grades 3-5. “Believe it or not, the following year there were no elementary openings in Tahoma, so I had to apply elsewhere.” Teresa taught fifth grade in Puyallup for two years, and then returned to Tahoma to teach third grade in the 1991-92 school year, the same year she married Brad Mjelde.

The year Rock Creek Elementary opened, she taught fifth and sixth grades, looping with her students. Also during those years, she earned her Master’s degree in Creative Arts Curriculum and decided to apply for an art position at the new Glacier Park school, which eventually housed seventh and eighth graders. Teresa worked there for several years and took some time off after having her third child. In 2004, she began working at Cedar River Middle School teaching math, then moved to Tahoma Middle and taught math for eight years. A new position opened in Teaching & Learning in 2013, and Teresa decided that she would give assessment a try. She has been the District Assessment Specialist for the past eight years.

“As a teacher, I remember Teresa being a champion for her students,” said Chris Everett, a former Tahoma principal who also works in the Teaching and Learning Department. “She definitely sought pathways to find quality learning experiences for all students with her commitment to excellence, her boundless energy, and big heart for her boys and girls. Working and collaborating with Teresa has always been a privilege over these many years. I wish her and her family only the best as she starts this new journey into retirement. AND -- Go Cougs!”

 In addition to teaching, Teresa coached the dance team at THS in 1991-92, was the yearbook advisor for two years at Tahoma Middle School, and took groups of students on field trips to Washington, D.C., and Florida. Teresa also took sixth graders to Camp Casey and helped organize the time capsule at Rock Creek Elementary the year it opened -- and enjoyed connecting with former students when they opened the time capsule years later.

“I feel so fortunate to have been able to serve this community, where my grandparents and mother grew up and also served,” Teresa said. “I always wanted to live here and have my own children go to school in this great community. I have had the joy of watching and participating in many of the sports and music programs as a teacher, and also as a parent.”

After retirement, Teresa plans to spend a lot of time traveling with her husband in Europe and the Caribbean. They are also expecting their first grandchild in August and can’t wait to be full-time grandparents. And, as an avid -- and that might be putting it lightly -- Washington State Cougar, she is excited to make the trek across the mountains for all WSU home football games.

Teresa, we are so glad that you were able to get your foot in Tahoma’s door so many years ago, so that you could share your enthusiasm and expertise with so many students, staff and families. We wish you many happy trips to the “Promised Land” to cheer on your beloved Cougs!

Teaching from the heart is central to the job of an educator, Rock Creek educator Cheryl Peerenboom says. “We help our students grow and develop a passion for lifelong learning. It has been a wonderful legacy to leave behind!”

Before joining “Team Tahoma” in 1993, Peerenboom spent five years teaching second grade at Challenger Elementary in the Issaquah School District. After being encouraged to apply for an opening at Rock Creek, she interviewed with then-principal Joan Watt and was offered a position there. “I have been at Rock Creek ever since,” she added.

For several years, Cheryl looped as a first/second grade teacher in order to spend extended time teaching the same groups of students.

Fellow Rock Creek teacher Linda Parker-Roberts said Cheryl has a heart of gold. “No matter what the situation, her positive attitude shines through in all she does. Her work ethic is beyond compare, getting to school in the wee hours of the morning and often leaving late into the afternoon. Cheryl embraces the opportunity to try new things and is truly a lifelong learner,” Parker-Roberts said.

“Several years ago, Cheryl recruited a volunteer science docent for our second-grade kiddos. The program was so successful that it expanded to first grade, and while on Zoom now, the program continues today,” she said. “Cheryl seeks out opportunities for growth. This year is a good example, where she chose to finish her career teaching remotely. Cheryl is irreplaceable and she will be missed by any who have had the incredible pleasure of working with her. “

The majority of Cheryl’s years teaching have been spent in second grade. Additionally she has served on a variety of committees and, this year, as the ELA lead for the second grade team at Rock Creek and as the building representative for TEA.

“I have enjoyed my time working with my second grade students. Their passion, enthusiasm, and engagement for learning puts a smile on my face every day! I have also enjoyed working with wonderful colleagues,” Cheryl said. “Their support and dedication set a high bar for students to truly strive to learn all that they can. Finally, I have been encouraged at how supportive the community has been throughout the years with developments in teaching and learning.”

After retiring at the end of this school year, Cheryl and her husband hope to move to the Olympia area in order to be closer to their children. She is also looking forward to volunteering at the Nisqually Natural Preserve, which offers educational environmental education to youth and young adults.

We’re so grateful for all the young Eagles who you have nurtured and taught through the years, Cheryl, and we wish you many happy memories in retirement!

Tahoma High School teacher Lori Patrick is a true advocate for kids, with an exceptional work ethic, her coworkers say. 

“Hands down, Lori is an amazing communicator. She is very good at listening and responding in a professional manner,” fellow teacher Cristina Azizeh said. “Lori is also so funny. Since we room share, she has listened to so many of my stories, problems, successes and always has the best advice!”

Lori has taught nearly every subject, and was happy to share her expertise and experience. “Having another Business Teacher who shared their ideas, lessons and opinions with me was a huge blessing,” Azizeh said. “I have only taught as a singleton Business Teacher, so having someone to fully collaborate with was such an amazing experience and gift -- especially someone like Lori who literally knows everything and can create things on the fly!”

One special moment that she recalls sharing with Lori happened when her son passed the bar exam, and she was so proud of him. “The look in her eyes and the excitement in her voice said it all,” Azizeh said. “I also remember when she told me her other son was going to be a dad and she was going to be a Grammy – similar look of utter adoration and so proud of her boys!”

Associate Principal and CTE Director Marty Barber said “Lori puts kids first always, without exception.” One of her best characteristics is her innate understanding of how to connect with kids, Barber added.

Lori began working in Tahoma in 2015 at Tahoma Junior High as an English Language Arts teacher, teaching eighth grade English, ninth grade honors English and Yearbook. In 2018, she started teaching at THS as a Business Education teacher, and taught accounting, advanced accounting, professional communications, personal finance, business law, computer applications and multimedia. In the past, she also taught at Enumclaw High School, Liberty Bell Junior/Senior High School, Rogers High School, and La Cumbre Junior High School

She served as a Teacher Leader at both Tahoma Junior High and Tahoma High School, and, at THS, as an FBLA advisor. In that capacity, Lori participated with students in numerous community service events, including the annual Halloween Carnival.

While at TJHS, Lori created Writing Rubrics that aligned with Common Core Standards that were used to assess students’ writing. At THS, she developed a new Professional Communications program and wrote the curriculum for it, as well as a revamping curriculum for multimedia. But the task that she is the most proud of is the creation, development, and finalization of Career & Technical Education Scholar program.

“I have really enjoyed the people I work with here,” Lori said. “They are a very dedicated group of teachers who want to do what is best for kids.”

In retirement, Lori plans to travel, play with her granddaughter, hike, ski and generally enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. Thank you, Lori, for your dedication to and your advocacy for students in Tahoma and the other districts you taught in throughout the years. We wish you a wonderful retirement!

Among the many challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic was how to provide music education when students were in remote or hybrid learning, instead of in the music room. Laural Toliver found a way for students to make music, despite those obstacles.

“Laural thought learning all the technology needed to teach remote would overwhelm her,” said Cedar River Elementary School Principal Fritz Gere. “She ended up speeding up that steep learning curve, creating Google platforms, video lessons, and receiving feedback from students in no time.”

People who have worked with Laural understand that the music will go on, no matter what.

“She loves her students and empowers them to take on leadership roles and to create their own music,” fellow music teacher Debbie Arnold said. “And she is SUPER dedicated and passionate about the importance of music and advocates for its inclusion in the schools.”

Laural’s Tahoma career began in 1989 as a substitute classroom teacher. In 1990, she was hired as a music specialist at Shadow Lake Elementary. She also traveled to Rock Creek and Glacier Park elementary schools for four years, teaching music to kindergartners and helping them prepare for the annual “Three Piggy Opera” performance. In the days before Shadow Lake was rebuilt, Laural had a closet to store her growing collection of musical instruments, but did not have a music classroom.

“I traveled to each classroom using a decorated grocery cart to hold my guitar and musical instruments,” she recalled. “My students often danced and sang outside and in the halls.”

Laural’s dedication to students did not go unnoticed. Shadow Lake Principal Scott Mitchell was a teacher at the school when Laurel was there and recalls some of her accomplishments.

“Laural headed up the annual Missoula Children’s Theater with a sense of pride for her students and led the honor choirs for many years,” Mitchell said. “But the pillar of her sense of community is the annual Veterans Day assembly.”

Laural’s Veterans Day program is well known at Shadow Lake and her current school, Cedar River Elementary.

“The music was incredible, but what made it special was all the extras,” Mitchell said. “Laural would invite students’ family members who were veterans. She would make sure we had a wonderful reception for them afterwards. She had the whole school make decorations, a wall of honor, every grade would sing a patriotic song, and our whole school would feel a sense of honor for this day. The tradition of this event each year, which still happens because of her, is one of my favorite days of the year.“

Retirement offers time for travel, hiking, enjoying goodies from her daughter’s garden, and reflecting on the many achievements of her career -- including her work at Seattle Pacific University as an adjunct professor. The music, of course, will continue as Laural sits in with her guitar quartet or strums tunes on her dulcimer.

Laural, we wish you all the best and thank you for sharing your talent and love for music with our students and community. Bravo!

Helping kids is at the center of Michele “Mickey” VonStubbe’s life. As registrar for Maple View Middle School, Mickey ensured that student data is correctly recorded and stored, which is no small task. In her time away from school, she works on her 20-acre farm, which she also opens to 4H kids who tend to her alpacas and llamas.

Former coworker Liz Thibert said that in the 10 years they worked together, Mickey was an example of hard work, loyalty, how to support students where they are at, and love for her co-workers. “‘Mama Llama’ had a way of connecting with students like no other staff member could,” Thibert said, referring to a nickname given because Mickey shared her love of llamas and alpacas with students. “Her affiliation with FFA gave her the opportunity to introduce kids to a lifelong love for animals and the farm. After many, many years of dedicated service, I couldn’t be happier for her as she starts her next adventure!”

Mickey began working for Tahoma in 1989 as a substitute in the Human Resources office. She became a school registrar in 1995, and is retiring from Maple View Middle School. She said her favorite part of the job is working with students and watching them grow and learn.

“I love working with the kids,” Mickey said. “I encourage them to pay attention to their schoolwork and how important it is in the future. I’ve sent two generations of my own kids through school and reading and study habits are the most important.”

She also has appreciation for her adult colleagues, especially after facing challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We have three new people in our department so it has been great getting to know them and the cooperation that we’ve all extended to each other has been great,” she said. “All the staff are so cooperative and so helpful.”

Coworker and Maple View Counselor Betty Bernstein said Mickey “Cares for so many in so many ways. She has the unusual ability to see clearly and speak clearly and to the point, with kindness. For this reason she has the deep trust and confidence of so many staff members who have worked with her throughout her years at Tahoma. I feel honored to be one of those people. It is not unusual to see a staff member standing near her in their moment off, just to know they are respected and heard.”

“That presence of caring makes such a difference in our school and in the world. Our students surely benefit the most — I recall one student who we could not get to attend classes. Mickey just said, ‘Come with me. We are walking to class.’ He went and was fine! A miracle to the rest of us, but business as usual for Mickey. Her presence will be deeply missed,” Bernstein said.

Mickey’s focus on kids and animals has created many fond memories. Asked about one that stands out, she recalled a trip to a Future Farmers of America convention in Pullman at Washington State University.

“I’ve enjoyed just about all the administrators who I have worked with through the years,” she said. “When I first started working, we rode a bus over to Wazzu with the Ag department one time with (retired Superintendent) Mike Maryanski. It was a most memorable time.”

Thank you, Mickey, for caring for Tahoma students so well, and for loving your coworkers, too. We wish you a wonderful retirement with many happy new memories!

In the 2010-2011 school year, Gerald Jensen’s good friend, Nancy Jones, suggested that he try driving a school bus for the district, and he was hired that fall. That choice led to Gerald eventually driving Special Education students for the rest of his career at Tahoma.

“Working with students with special needs and their parents has enriched my life far beyond what I could have imagined and made me a better person,” Gerald said.”The 10-plus years at Tahoma was a blessing to be able to work with such dedicated people helping our students reach their full potential.”

Director of Operations Tom Misfeldt said Gerald was a proud member of this community. “He always did everything in his power to ensure that the kids came first,” Misfeldt said. “Gerald was devoted to his position as a school bus driver and was a great representative of the Transportation Department.”

Misfeldt also recalled that Gerald is an animal lover and would on a rare, very special occasion bring in a goose egg to share with someone. “This would be comparable to having a winning lottery ticket,” he said.

In retirement, Gerald said that he doesn’t have any big plans, but looks forward to taking some small road trips, to Montana where his wife grew up, for example. He’s also hoping to spend time making wine at his friend's small winery and seeing family that they haven’t seen in more than a year.

Gerald, we’re very thankful you were part of Team Tahoma, and we wish you an excellent retirement filled with fun trips and time spent with loved ones.

Bridget Malaspino has been the “the rock” and stable foundation of the Finance Department for more than two decades.

“She has been a great example of work ethic, leadership and a great role model of how to treat others. She remains calm in chaos and is respectful of everyone,” said coworker Cindy Darcy, who is in charge of Purchasing and Risk Management. “Bridget worked diligent, relentless hours to ensure our district’s financials were in order. She trained and re-trained many of us both at CSC and out in the buildings in the proper way of accounting, documenting our work and adhering to our district, state and federal rules and regulations, which are constantly changing,” Darcy said.

Hired in 1998 as a payroll specialist, Bridget had been working in downtown Seattle when she heard about the open position in the Finance Department. Working closer to home was a big draw, Bridget says, as she had two children in Tahoma schools at the time. She had previously worked for a construction company, a manufacturing company and a 24-hour nurse hotline. After working for Tahoma as a payroll specialist for three months, Bridget was hired as the payroll lead, and then as the district Accountant.

She oversaw a chart of accounts conversion and numerous system migrations to updated and/or new financial accounting software systems, and managed the closing out of all of Tahoma’s financial books each year. Bridget was the liaison on behalf of the district with the State Auditor on an annual basis. “She patiently retrieved and/or produced all information requested and because of her, our district has consistently received high audit scores!” Darcy said. “Bridget never lost sight of our mission to serve the students, staff and families within the Tahoma School District, it was embedded in every decision and task that she took on.”

Bridget says one of her favorite things about Tahoma is the amazing people she has worked with. “It’s always fun to reminisce with the ‘old timers’ and ‘remember when,’” she said. “I can’t express enough how much I have enjoyed my Finance Department work family. We worked as a team and supported each other, we celebrated together, we laughed together and we solved world problems together!” She also fondly remembers watching the “Three Piggy Opera” in the boardroom and enjoying the THS choir tour each December, along with Christmas parties at Lori’s house and the “Party Bus.”

“Bridget was always so patient and helpful when I was perplexed by the finance system,” Communication Director Kevin Patterson said. “She is such a kind, positive person that even our conversations about budgets and numbers were fun. She and I have talked a lot about retirement. I know she will be missed at CSC, but I am happy that she gets to enjoy some well-deserved time to spend with family and to have some fun.”

Finance Director Lori Cloud said that Bridget has been the calming force for the department. “For us old-timers, we remember the Finance Department being a group of people at Central Services that no one wanted to talk to,” Cloud said. “But Bridget, with her caring heart, amazing knowledge and firm guiding hand, would listen to everyone, empathize with their citation and gently walk them through policies and procedures that were ever-changing. We know -- when Bridget is pausing -- she is thinking of a way to gently tell you: ‘NO.’”

“Bridget is intelligent, has a grasp of what the district needs to be in compliance, and stand firm in integrity to maintain Tahoma as a top-notch school district,” Cloud continued. “When speaking about Bridget, you can’t forget to mention what an amazing daughter, mom and grandmother she is -- just watch her light up when she talks about her family, and you will know how fortunate Tahoma has been all these years.”

In retirement, Bridget said she wants to spend more time with her family -- and notes that they are pretty excited about that, too -- as well as work in their five-acre yard and explore Washington state nurseries.

Bridget, we’re exponentially grateful that you have shared your keen eye for numbers and your devotion to exact finance with our district for so many years. We wish you ever-multiplying joy in retirement!

For the past 35 years, Carmen Innes has helped middle school and high school students make sense of math. After teaching middle and high school math in the Renton School District for 18 years, Carmen joined the faculty at Tahoma High School in 2004, where she has been considered a huge asset to her department.

Colleague Pete DeBolt said Carmen’s retirement “is a huge loss for the students of Tahoma High School. She has been phenomenal for our math department. She was the first person who reached out to me when I got here, sharing all her lessons and making me feel like I was a part of the group,” DeBolt said. “That’s the kind of person she is and has been to our students as well. Always looking out for their best interest and helping them succeed. She has left a positive legacy at Tahoma High School.”

In her time at Tahoma, Carmen has taught the Bears Geometry, Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus.

Tony Davis, who also taught with Carmen, said he will most remember her professionalism. “Carmen was able to connect with her students and make them comfortable with being challenged in their high-level math classes,” Davis said. “Carmen has a way of understanding what her students need – instructional strategies, quality questions, high expectations, and more.”

In retirement, Carmen said she looks forward to travelling; and spending time with her mom, who just turned 93.

Thank you sincerely, Carmen, for sharing your expertise with Tahoma High School students for the past 17 years. Although people often joke that they’ll “never use this math again,” the opposite is true. Your lessons will set them up for success in math in the future, and they’ll remember what you taught them.

We wish you excellent travels and wonderful new memories with your mom in retirement, Carmen!

Special Education Paraeducator Christel K. Orwig has cared deeply for Tahoma students since her first days with the district, her coworkers say. Not only does she have a deep love for students, but for Tahoma itself -- and even “bleeds blue and gold,” said Associate Principal Robert Talbert.

“Christel has been working at the middle school level now with me for over 15 years and I have been so impressed with each and every one of them. She is a true professional and I haven’t met anyone that cares more for our students and staff than Christel,” Talbert said. “Christel is kind, compassionate and extremely devoted to the students she serves. ... We are better at MVMS because we got to work with Christel. I remember when Christel was telling me recently about signing her retirement papers, she just couldn’t sign them right away because she loves Tahoma and the students she gets to impact every day.”

Christel started working for Tahoma in December of 1994 as a part-time employee in the Special Education preschool and kindergarten classes part-time at Lake Wilderness. She had spent the year before volunteering, and former coworkers Ken Eide and Tommy Geist told her, “‘If you’re going to live at the school, you might as well get paid for the job you’re doing.’” Christel recalls “The next thing you know, I am full time without knowing how that happened.”

She spent 10 years at Lake Wilderness working with the BELS (now called SAILS) Preschool and kindergartners before moving on to Cedar River Middle School, and then moved to Maple View Middle School. This is her 17th school year with the majority of the MVMS staff. “I worked for 15 of those years working in the Resource Special Ed room teaching half the class alongside a teacher. The last two years, I moved back to working in the SAILS class as a 1:1 para. Also, until this year, working under the guidance of a teacher, I did a lot of the Special Ed testing for our students who require Special Ed help.”

When Christel’s own children were in school, she was very active in the PTA, working as secretary and hospitality chair.

Special Services Director Annette Whittlesey said she had the pleasure of meeting Christel when she was a paraeducator in the inclusive kindergarten program at Lake Wilderness. “My own daughter was lucky enough to enjoy her attention and encouragement, along with so many students over the years,” Whittlesey said. “Christel interacts with children and adults through a lens of ‘you can do this’ and ‘I am here to help you do it to the best of your ability!’ Christel also always volunteered to jump in and help no matter what supports we needed for students.”

In her free time, Christel enjoys crafting. In retirement, she plans to also spend time helping to raise her great nephew, who is autistic and starts kindergarten in the fall. Christel hopes to volunteer in his classes and schools as he moves through the district.

“I feel that my most valuable thing that I offered to our school district was accepting, understanding, and striving to reach and teach every student I worked with,” she said. “I will end with a saying that has been with me since my children started in school. No matter what, ‘WE ARE TAHOMA.’ Many people have asked me over the years what I mean by that, because I have said it in all kinds of situations. This is the best way to explain: No matter what situation we have found ourselves in as a district, through the good, bad, happy, sad, ugly and sometimes confusing times, and I have seen a lot over the last 27 school years that I have worked for Tahoma, we always come out stronger, better and farther ahead. I would not have wanted my kids in any other district and I feel blessed and honored to have work in Tahoma.”

We’re grateful for your many years supporting and caring for our students, Christel, and we thank you for being part of the “we” in “We are Tahoma.” Congratulations on your retirement!

In his 24 years with the Tahoma School District, Kevin Patterson could have had a number of alternate job titles, and he has had many “other duties as assigned.” A few of those have been Print Shop supervisor, historian, Chamber Board President, biography writer, volunteer-finder, photographer, liaison to community organizations and volunteer on every bond and levy campaign for nearly a quarter of a century.

Kevin applied for a job as Tahoma’s public information officer in November of 1997. He had been working as Executive Sports Editor at the South County and Eastside Journal newspapers and was looking for a day job in order to be home in the evening to be with his family. “I had some reservations because it was only a half-time position,” Kevin recalls. “The day after interviewing with Mike Maryanski, he called to ask if I would still be interested if the job were full time. I said I would. It was the best job decision I ever made!”

Maryanski said it was a “pleasure and privilege to work with and observe Kevin’s contributions to our school system over time.” Tahoma has benefited from Kevin’s commitment to support our mission and his ability to promote and open communication with our community, Maryanski said. “That commitment is evident in the role he played in many bond and levy campaigns, in the progression of tools to increase communication with parents and community, and in his always stepping forward to be the face of the system in difficult times,” he continued. “When we faced controversy and when we needed to celebrate, Kevin was there with suggestions and support. I personally thank Kevin for the support that he gave to me, for his willingness to listen and disagree when needed, and for being there in difficult times.”

Jim Lagerquist, who worked with Kevin to create the district’s first website although neither of them had any experience in that field, said, “We both learned an entirely new language such as back-end, anchor text, domain, breadcrumb, cache, client-side, content management system and other assorted terms,” Lagerquist said. “It was a humbling experience but set the tone for several Kevin and Jim website-oriented projects in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Kevin over the years.”

Former superintendent Rob Morrow recalled that Kevin was responsible for establishing the district’s social media presence and learning to interact in that quickly changing realm. “Kevin did a good job navigating that and talking me off a cliff,” Morrow said. “From my perspective, Kevin is one of the good guys and (his presence) made it okay to come to work, just having him across the hall.”

Mary Jane Glaser, who served on the School Board for many years, said Kevin has always been a wonderful sounding board. “I personally valued his support, both as a school board director and as a friend. His keen interest in local, state and federal news and government gave important input in district decisions,” Mary Jane said. “Kevin's leadership in the Chamber of Commerce highlighted the importance of the collaboration and partnerships with the business community, City of Maple Valley and the Tahoma School District. Kevin's enduring influence in the Chamber meetings showed strongly during the Apple Cup when he would compose catchy lyrics of fight songs to taunt the Huskies in the room.”

Kevin said his favorite, most meaningful memories are related to the people he worked with and the students and staff members he had the privilege to communicate about and with during the past 23 years. “Very early in my time here, I discovered the strong level of commitment by teachers, administrators, board members and support staff to doing what is best for kids,” he said. “That commitment has grown even stronger over the years, in my observation, and served us so very well during the pandemic. This is a special place, and I am very proud to be part of this team.”

Assistant Superintendent Lori Cloud said Kevin has been an integral part of Tahoma School District. “He embraced the community’s desire to participate more and stretched district personnel to think in a new way,” Cloud said. “Kevin has been a true friend, someone willing to tell the truth and a team player when we’re making decisions about the students. Kevin exemplifies the qualities of a Community Contributor.”

To Kevin, retirement means having more time for family and some traveling opportunities with his wife, Marcia. “We’ll delay major travel until the pandemic is in the rear-view mirror,” Kevin said. “Until then, there is golf, hiking, and our new dog, Gracie! We are fortunate to share a family cabin on Case Inlet in the South Sound, so we’ll try really hard to spend more time there as well. And reading, lots of reading that I have delayed for far too long -- and, Cougar football, of course!”

Kevin, for many of us, your most important role has been that of a kind and extremely loyal friend and colleague. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise in communication, education and relevant news topics -- and, for your witty, always timely puns. We hope you’ll have an incredibly relaxing retirement with Marcia and Gracie, and that the only deadlines you’ll have from now on will be arriving in Pullman in time for kickoff. Go, Cougs!!