As the calendar turns to July, Doniphan-Trumbull Public School bids a fond farewell to five veteran staff members who have dedicated their careers to educating the youth of our community. After a combined total of over 100 years in service to D-T, these exemplary teachers and staff are retiring.
Ms. Deb Powell has been the secondary vocal music teacher for seven years, with 29 years of service to education overall. Hundreds of students participated in her choirs, discovering their singing talents and passion for performance thanks to her excellent instruction. Her most memorable experience at D-T was taking students on a music trip to New York City and students singing at Carnegie Hall. She will be missed by colleagues and students alike.
Mr. Dave Johnson spent nine years as the D-T secondary agriculture and shop teacher, contributing to 42 years of service to education in Nebraska in total. Under his tutelage, students mastered vocational skills while learning crucial life lessons about hard work and perseverance. Mr. Johnson’s influence extended beyond the classroom as he led the Future Farmers of America Chapter at D-T.
Ms. Lisa Happold dedicated 25 years as an elementary teacher, finishing as a 2nd-grade teacher. Her patience, creativity, and nurturing manner provided the ideal environment for young learners. Ms. Happold created unique student learning experiences and supported English Language Learners at D-T.
After 29 years as a special education teacher, Ms. Sandy Mazour went above and beyond to ensure every student under her guidance received an outstanding individualized education to meet their needs. Her compassion, innovation, and advocacy greatly enriched the lives of children and their families. Her fondest memory was the 2013 Football Playoffs, a memory we all share and treasure. She shared that the energy throughout the building and communities was contagious. Kids and adults worked endless hours on signs and decorations, lining the streets to send the boys off, traveling miles to attend games, etc. It was a fun season that she will always treasure as a teacher, community member, and parent.
For 30 years, Ms. Vickie White kept the high school running smoothly as the secondary secretary. With an endless reserve of patience and a friendly smile, she was the welcoming first point of contact for visitors. Vickie’s exceptional organizational abilities allowed the school to operate efficiently.
These five retirees, recently honored at a retirement recognition ceremony, have left an indelible mark on our school district and our community. Their tireless efforts and decades of service have shaped the lives of thousands of young individuals, a legacy that will be fondly remembered and appreciated for years to come. Their absence will be deeply felt, and their contributions will be cherished in our memories.
As Ms. Powell, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Happold, Ms. Mazour, and Ms. White embark on their well-deserved retirement, we, the community, extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your unwavering dedication to our children's education and our public school has not gone unnoticed. Our school is immensely grateful for your selfless commitment to nurturing our youth, and we will always cherish the personal connections you've made with us. Your impact goes beyond the classroom, and your presence will be greatly missed.