District 214’s longest serving staffer retires

A woman who believes in giving students understanding, encouragement and love, received love herself as the last day of school ended Friday at Wheeling High School.

Margaret Cadle, 87, was surprised Friday when students and faculty formed two lines at the school’s front entrance, leading to flowers, balloons and a limo ride to an end-of-the-year party at a co-worker’s home to celebrate her service and retirement.

Cadle has been in education for 65 years, 49 in Northwest Suburban High School District 214. She first came to District 214 in 1963 after teaching in her hometown of La Harpe, Ill. She taught English at Forest View, Wheeling and Prospect high schools before retiring in 1986, only to return as a special education assistant at Wheeling High School in 1987 — 25 years ago.

As she exited the building for what she thought was a meal out with a co-worker, students and faculty thunderously applauded for her.

“The whole school has been so excited about it,” Erin Deluga, Wheeling’s assistant principal said.

Co-workers and Cadle’s best friends Marilyn Harrison and Carole Dujmovic thought Cadle deserved something extra special, so they started brainstorming.

“When you feel somebody is special, you want to honor that,” Harrison said.

Cadle was overwhelmed by the gesture.

“They’re my family too,” Cadle said of the students and faculty. “I will remember this,”

Entering the limo, Cadle waved and smiled as people shouted “We’ll miss you Margaret!” and “Have fun!” As the limo left the school, people continued to clap and wave goodbye.

Cadle said she loved teaching because it was different every day and she had fun with the kids. A 1946 Western Illinois University graduate, she used to set up marbles in rows, modeling a classroom, to practice teaching. Now in retirement, she hopes to knit, read and possibly travel to visit family.

Harrison said Cadle has a “love of people” and wants kids to reach their maximum potential.

“She’s just a really unique person and we all love her,” Harrison said.

Cadle said she’ll miss the school, the district and the people, calling her job “the best profession.”

“I’m going to miss it next fall; I can tell that already.”