So long, Margaret, and ... thank you

On Friday June 8, 2012, students departed local elementary, junior high schools, and high schools to begin a time of “summer vacation.”

This is normally a time for teachers and students alike to take a break and enjoy the warmth of the sun, do some reading, fishing, shopping, and traveling ... the things you can’t normally do during school. We think about buying some new clothes and preparing for the next school year which begins all too soon in August.

For Margaret Cadle, at Wheeling High School, it was the last day of 49 years of using her talents and “gifts” to help students learn and grow in their desire to better themselves and the world around them.

Margaret retired from Wheeling and District 214 on June 8th. Her tenure is a remarkable and unbelievable story in itself, but I want to thank Clara Bush and the Daily Herald for helping us to give Margaret her “moment in the sun.” Can any of us truly imagine going from 1946 to 2012 in the classroom?

After a surprise of flowers, balloons, and a parade there was a limousine ride.

Much has changed in teaching techniques and curriculum, but the love for children and the knowledge that all students can learn has to be there for success. Margaret knows that. Those in education who are fortunate enough to know Margaret will remember too.

I know you are reading this, friend -- as I share the news of the Daily Herald with you every school day -- I will miss you.

As all of those former students return from military service to say “thanks”, return with their babies to say “thanks”, return to say, “Thanks, I’m going to college”, return to ask “What should I do next?”

I’ll add my “thanks” too, Margaret for all you have taught so many of us along the pathway of this adventure we call “school” which ultimately becomes in many ways how we view life.

Carole Dujmovic

Prospect Heights