St. John's teacher Pam Huske retires after 34 years

We all have to work for a living, and when your work has a purpose, it can be very rewarding. Some spend their lives looking for that. A lucky few find early on what their mission and purpose are, and are able to pursue it. "From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to get married, have kids and work with other kids." says Pam Huske. And for 34 years she has been doing just that at St. John's Lutheran School in Elgin. She has taught special education, third grade, preschool, math, grammar, language arts, cooking, and acted as middle school advisor, resource teacher, district coordinator and tutor.

Pam and husband, Ken, were married at St. John's almost 48 years ago. They had two children. Daughter Michele has taught at several Lutheran schools, including first grade at St. John's for several years, and is currently living in Ohio. Son Todd and his wife, Laura, reside in West Dundee and both are in the teaching field.

Pam is actively involved in St. John's congregation as a choir member, Ladies Aid member for over 34 years and a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She has served on various committees and boards, as a Sunday school and Bible study teacher, and with vacation Bible school. For the last two years she has served as friendship manager for St. John's Church, acting as a community, city council and police department liaison, as well as planning activities at church.

Huske has been very active in the community as well. She has over 50 years in Girl Scouting. She was a Cub Scout leader. She is a member of the Elgin Area Historical Society. She served on the board of Learning Disabilities of America and Lutheran Special Education ministries.

Huske has received the Girl Scouting thanks badge, Courier News Unsung Hero of the Community award, Daily Herald's Architect for a Better Elgin award, a repeated Outstanding Young Women of Elgin finalist, and been honored multiple times in Who's Who Among America's Teachers and Outstanding American teachers throughout her various years in the Lord's service.

Now it is time to take things a little easier. On Sunday, July 31, during the 10:30 a.m. service, the congregation will celebrate Pam's accomplishments and release her into retirement. There will be an appetizer potluck in the gym after the service. Former students and coworkers are invited to come and reminisce! Please bring an appetizer or treat to share - chocolate, of course, is Pam's favorite - and cake, punch and coffee will be provided. Your cards and gifts would be most appropriate for Pam as she begins retirement. If you cannot be present, you can send your cards to the church office, 101 N. Spring St., Elgin, IL 60120, and we'll present them to her on that day.

Pam believes every child is a gift from God blessed with the possibility to reach the potential of a successful life. "It is our job to look at each child with the eyes of love."