As we approach the end of the school year and our hours of summer fun draw closer, we’re faced with one unfortunate reality: summer will end, and we all must return to school in the fall. 

While the rest of us have to face this truth; there exist a select few lucky ducks who don’t have to come back to South at all. Long-time teachers Brian Oakley and Liz Rock and Assistant Principal Jenn Sebold have all successfully earned their permanent summer break, officially retiring after a combined 40 years at South.

After her 7-year tenure at South, Sebold is retiring. Her story has been recently featured in the article “End of an Era” written by Kaylee Thompson and Kara Evans for the Treaty.

Technology teacher Mr. Oakley has worked at South for 19 years. Despite his lengthy tenure, education wasn’t Oakley’s first venture into the workforce: 

“I worked in industry and other jobs for ten years before I became a teacher.” he said. “My father was a college professor and I always thought it was really interesting.”

While Oakley may now be at the head of South’s technology department, that’s not where he started out. 

“I taught mathematics when I first got into teaching,” he said. “They asked ‘Is anybody willing to teach technology?’ and I’m like: ‘I’ll do technology!’ I knew I didn’t have a degree in it or anything but it was something I was interested in, so I kept myself educated.” 

Oakley’s impact extended beyond the classroom curriculum; for many students, he shaped their high school careers. 

“He definitely helped whip me into shape a little bit,” said senior Danny Greenwaldt. “Back in freshman year, I was a pretty difficult student, but after taking his Principles of Engineering class, he really taught me how to respect my teachers and take school more seriously.”

As he steps into retirement, Oakley hopes his students remember him not just for what he taught, but what he enabled them to achieve.

“I want my students to remember that I gave them an opportunity to try something new,” he said.

Finally, before he goes, Oakley has some advice for his students before they head off into the world: “educate yourself as quickly as possible. You educate yourself with things that are interesting to you.”

Across the school from Oakley’s Technology lab, Special School District teacher Liz Rock has made a lasting impression in the social studies wing.

After 14 years at South, Rock is closing her gradebook for the final time. A dedicated special education teacher, Rock’s compassion for her students comes from a deeply personal place.

“I had a brother who was born with Down’s Syndrome, so I’ve always wanted to be a special education teacher,” she said.

Over the years, Rock has made a lasting impression with her students and colleagues alike. After all these years, Rock doesn’t want to be remembered for a particular lesson or achievement, but instead how she made those around her feel.

“That I cared, was kind, and loved to be with them,” said Rock.

When it comes to advice for new students, Rock keeps it simple.

“Take a deep breath, and dive in!” she says.

Rock traces much of her growth as a young teacher to her mentor.

“My student teacher mentor I had in college was awesome and really encouraged me!” she said. “She made me believe I could do it.”

Now, after three decades of teaching, Rock plans to take it easy and get some well-deserved rest: 

“Right now, I’m not sure what I’ll do,” she said, “but I see a lot of relaxation and travel in my future.”

In addition to some much-needed relaxation, Rock is looking forward to spending time with two of her favorite pastimes.

“I live to cook and garden,” she said.

For Rock, her years in the classroom weren’t just a career, they were a highlight of her life.

“These years have been the time of my life,” she says.

Even with exciting plans on the horizon, saying goodbye to South won’t come easy.

“I will miss all my friends at Parkway South,” Rock said. “I have loved every minute working with such an amazing group of people.”

For nearly three decades, Wendy Hopkins has been a steady and compassionate educator. As a teacher’s assistant and paraprofessional, she has spent 29 years in education, 18 of those at South.

Over three decades in education, it isn’t easy to keep yourself motivated. Hopkins sources inspiration from her children: 

“My daughter Raven is my inspiration,” she said.

Following her years of service, Hopkins plans to make some changes:

“My plans for retirement will be traveling with my husband, moving to South Carolina, and enjoying life,” Hopkins said.  

Hopkin’s plans for retirement extend beyond travel and enjoying life, She plans to restart some old hobbies.

“I’m really excited to get back into roller skating. I want to get back into crafting and start going fishing with my dad again,” she said.

Hopkins describes South simply, saying, “Never a dull moment!”

Moving into her next period of life, she leaves South with a simple message: “I hope my students remember my dedication to their successes, no matter how big or small.”