Retirees, longtime employees honored at Mitchell School District recognition event

MITCHELL — There were a lot of memories recounted on the stage at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center Wednesday afternoon, as Mitchell School District employees and patrons gathered to honor longtime district staff members as well as say farewell to those retiring from their positions at the end of the school year.

The annual event, honoring employees for service of 15 years to 40 years as well as four retiring district employees, is a chance to thank all those who give of themselves to the betterment of student education, said Deb Olson, president of the Mitchell Board of Education.

“I think of a long time of dedication, a longtime commitment and what a difference they’ve made individually to each student’s life,” Olson said. “Of course there is an element of sadness, but also joy for them going on to their next chapter and a real sense of pride in all they’ve done for the district.”

In all, 21 district employees were honored for their long term ongoing service in the district, along with the four who were wrapping up their careers at the school.

Cindy Bierman, a 16-year veteran of the district, was one of those honored as she entered retirement. An Ortonville, Minnesota native, she has worked in numerous roles for the district, including as a speech language therapy assistant and in roles in special education at Mitchell Middle School and Mitchell High School as well as the program for adult community transitions.

When recalling a memorable moment from her career, she remembered a mouse once running loose in her classroom. She and another teacher managed to corner the mouse in a hallway before a student caught and picked up the mouse in her bare hands.

“The mouse bit her and I had to call her parents and tell them that their daughter had been bitten by a mouse in the school,” Bierman said in remarks read by emcee Renee Koerner, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Kelli Malde, who along with Tracy Christensen spoke about Bierman at the ceremony, said her presence at the school would be missed.

“You possess so much positivity and kindness, and you display that every day to students, staff and parents. You always made everyone feel welcome in your classroom. You’re a true team player, and you will be missed. You have touched many lives,” Malde said.

Jane Dahme, a third grade teacher at L.B. Williams Elementary, was honored for 38 years with the district as she entered retirement. A native of Tripp, she was hired at the district in 1986 and taught at Whittier Elementary and L.B. Williams Elementary for nearly four decades.

She said she enjoyed the memories of professional development trips to Canada, Las Vegas, Ohio and Minnespolis, citing them as memorable chances for educational and social experiences with her colleagues. Those memories supplement the memories of the relationships and experiences she had with her students.

Donna DeNure and Conni McCormick offered comments on Dahme during the ceremony, and McCormick said Dahme had earned some time for herself and her family after giving so much of herself to the district and her students.

“Jane, may each day bring you time for scrapbooking, baking, spending time with family and friends and watching your granddaughter grow up,” McCormick said.

Sharon McNary grew up in Mitchell and is a graduate of Mitchell High School herself. She has worked for Mitchell Middle School food service for the past 18 years.

She was a familiar face in the lunchline for everyone at the school. The students there affectionately called her “grandma,” and she was known for entertaining them by performing dance moves on request.

Roxie Zimmer, who spoke about McNary at the ceremony, said McNary was always ready to bring a smile to people’s faces.

“Sharon was a grandma to many children. She always enjoyed being silly and dancing with the children,” Zimmer said. “Sharon, we wish you the best on your retirement, and we thank you for 18 years of service to the staff and children of Mitchell Middle School. Thank you for the memories. You will be missed.”

LaRue Steffes was also honored as a retiree after stepping down from her role as a high school paraeducator after five years with the district.

Steffes was born in Parkston but graduated from Mitchell High School, and worked in several fields before joining the Mitchell School District, including operating her own daycare in her home. Her work with the district included time as a study hall and library aide at Mitchell High School in addition to her work as a paraeducator, a role she began in 2019.

She said her first time working for the district years ago corresponded with the time her own children attended school there, and her grandchildren were in school during her most recent stint at the district.

“So I feel I have come full circle,” Steffes said in her remarks read by Koerner.

Leslie Rylance praised Steffes for her wide range of knowledge when they worked together in Rylance’s classroom. She said Steffes was her go to source for information on all things Mitchell High School, including being a source on district history.

Rylance presented a short video from friends, family and colleagues of Steffes congratulating Steffes on her retirement, and said her time with the district was one that benefited everyone with whom she came in contact.

“She was truly an expert on all things Mitchell, Mitchell High School and the Mitchell community. I was thankful for that constant presence and expertise in my classroom,” Rylance said. “While you might say thank you and that you appreciate us, we thank you and appreciate you. From not just the teachers, the staff, the students and your family but really the community of Mitchell - thank you, and enjoy your retirement.”

Superintendent Joe Childs and Olson greeted each retiree on stage following each presentation.

Olson said it is always somewhat bittersweet to see talented, dedicated professionals leave the district. But she was heartened by the legacy they left during their time in the Mitchell School District, and she was happy they will now get a chance to enjoy some time with their family or their hobbies.

“I’m thankful for them and the opportunity they have to do some things in retirement that they wouldn’t have been able to do when they were working every day,” Olson said.

Those honored at the event for their ongoing service to the district included:

Erin Konrad, Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary

D’Andra Rogers, L.B. Williams Elementary

April Geist, Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary/Longfellow Elementary

Stacey Hofer, Longfellow Elementary

Meghan Moody, Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary

Luke Norden, Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary

Roxanne Zimmer, Mitchell Middle School

Darrel Anderson, Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy

Stacie Biggerstaff, L.B. Williams Elementary

Suzanne Skinner, Mitchell Middle School Elementary/Mitchell High School

Kari Pommer, Early Childhood

Keith Christensen, Mitchell Middle School

Becky Larson, Mitchell Middle School

Lisa Neugebauer, Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy

Tricia Neugebauer, Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy

Curtis Smith, Mitchell High School

Laurie Kent, L.B. Williams Elementary

Phyllis Toman, L.B. Williams Elementary

Steve Morgan, Mitchell High School

Maurice Zoss, Mitchell Middle School