As seniors move on to the next chapter in their lives, so will some of their favorite staff members. Seven beloved staff members at Tualatin will say goodbye to TuHS as they enter retirement at the end of this school year.
For some, retirement means freedom and relaxation; they see it as an opportunity to do all the things they’ve missed out on in life. From travel to a new career, there is a lot to look forward to in this new era.
Associate Principal Claudia Kis is one of the seven staff members at TuHS retiring this year. Her plan is to move to Valencia, Spain. She has worked at TuHS for three years, and has been in education for 40 years.
“I have family and friends there. We want to move somewhere that feels more like home,” said Kis.
Physical education and health teacher Kathy Hollamon has been at TuHS for 27 years and has been working in education for 32.5 years. She is looking forward to seeing more of the people she cares about.
“I am most looking forward to spending time with my family: grandkids, daughter, son, husband, siblings. Also, I am excited about traveling and gardening more,” said Hollamon.
Gwyn Glackin, who has worked with students in the (CE)2 program for the last 14 years, will miss the spontaneity of working with students, but is also excited for what comes next.
“I’ve worked with a great group of guys [in (CE)2]! The students and the shenanigans that walked in our classroom will be greatly missed!” she said. “So many people ask, ‘What are you going to do?’ My answer, ‘WHATEVER I WANT!’ But definitely not wake up at 5:30 a.m. unless it’s to catch a plane!”
Jody Twain has worked in the kitchen at TuHS for seven years, while her husband Rob Twain was a TuHS security guard for 10 years. Rob retired last year, and Jody is retiring this spring. Their plans for retirement include “family, friends, travel.” What will they miss?
“For me, it’s just the kids,” Rob said.
“The kids,” said Jody. “You know what I won’t miss? Nacho Day.”
While for Hollamon, Glackin, the Twains, and Kis, retirement is about relaxing, for health science teacher Heidi Gorka, it’s about doing something she is passionate about. Gorka has worked in the Tigard-Tualatin School District for 35 years.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to sit still. I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare, so I’ll try to find something in that field,” said Gorka.
Even though retirement means looking forward to what comes next, it also is a chance to reflect on what impact and legacy these teachers have left on the TuHS community.
“I hope kids go away with a love of language learning. I hope kids remember me as kind, and actively involved in their education,” said French teacher Diane Leebrick, who is retiring this spring. She has taught at TuHS for 12 years, and is in her 34th year of teaching.
She encourages students to travel more and see the world.
The retirees also hope to leave a bit of their influence behind at TuHS.
“I hope to leave the legacy that females in our building will feel as valued and appreciated as males, and that there will continue to be safe spaces for them to work out,” said Hollamon.
She also hopes there will be more female representation in the physical education and health department.
“Connecting with students is the best part of the job,” Kis said. “I [it’s important] for girls to see a woman can be in this position. Especially for Latino girls to see a Latino woman in this position.”
Kis also noted that she has been the first Latino administrator since the school opened.
Also retiring this year is health and PE teacher Rob Coelho, who was unavailable for comment.
As their time at TuHS comes to a close, we all wish them the best of luck in retirement.
