Parkland Teachers' Local 10 hosts its annual retirement and induction dinner for 2005

(25-Oct-2005) Parkland Teachers' Local 10 held its annual induction and retirement dinner at the banquet hall of the Grove Motor Inn on Monday, October 24. ATA President Frank Bruseker gave words of welcome and District Representative Sharon Armstrong was the evening's guest speaker.

The annual event celebrates the proud accomplishments of Parkland educators who have recently retired and welcomes the next generation of classroom professionals by formally inducting them into the Alberta Teachers' Association. Parkland Teachers' Local 10 maintains a tradition of inviting a colleague to introduce each of the new members to those assembled. Similarly, longtime colleagues are called upon to toast those teachers who have moved on to the next phase of their lives. The stories of new and retiring teachers alike are frequently funny, commonly touching, and always fascinating to hear. Retirees are also given an opportunity to speak before they receive a parting gift from the Local, and many of this year's honourees used the time to pass along a bit of sage wisdom (and some funny tips from the trenches) to the newcomers. The sense of pride in profession was palpable throughout the evening, and more than a few in attendance commented on the deep love for education and for working with children that had brought together such a diverse group of talented individuals.

A common theme emerged from the evening's speeches, that of one generation passing the baton to the next. ATA President Frank Bruseker spoke of the teaching profession as a kind of dance, with new partners moving into the circle as others moved beyond it. District Representative Sharon Armstrong spoke eloquently about the teaching profession by using the metaphor of an ever-changing tapestry being woven by many hands over many years. Thought-provoking as the speeches were, they did not present the best and most moving illustration of one generation passing the craft to the next. That illustration was provided by two of the individuals honoured at the event: retiring teacher Judy Danielsen and her son, new inductee Paul Danielsen. Proud mother and son are pictured at the top left of this story.

The New 2005 ATA Inductees: Lora Baker, Delmarie Bodo, Amanda Butler, Paul Danielsen, Lonnie Granley, Christy Haggarty, Erin Heward, Bridget Kissau, Leah McConnell, Carrie McKay, Jason Michaud, Corbin Musselman, Kelly Paulsen, Erin Plante, Stephanie Poitras, Bryn Spence, Darwin Werner, and Bob Winchester.

2005 Parkland Teacher Retirees: Adrian Besuyen, Ken Carter, Sharon Carter, Judy Danielsen, Tony Esposito, Rosemary Esposito, Terry Halak, Roger Hoffman, Elsie Kindraka, Irene Lawton, Adrian Loades, Leanna McBride, Gladys Olson, Rita Suitor, Len Switzer, Donn Taylor, and Wayne Turner.