In a recent letter, you were told that at the APS Retirement Dinner I didn’t honor the retirees and talked only about myself. What I did was spend thirty seconds establishing that as a teacher myself, I have some understanding how hard their jobs are. In the remaining four minutes of my talk I said:

“Let me thank you for working so hard for so long to bring to fruition that vision that burned within you, that fire that drove you to achieve all that you have and which inspired you to help others and take care of our students here at APS. You have proven your commitment and dedication to this sacred charge time and time again and there just aren’t words to adequately capture the essence of your combined 552 years of service.

“So, whether a custodian, cook, IA, bus driver, teacher, switchboard operator, administrator or special ed teacher, APS would like to thank you for your service to our students and this organization through your hard work, your sacrifice of your time, your commitment to professionalism, the positive impact you’ve had on our students, the way you’ve reached out to parents, the support you’ve given each other, the mentorship you have offered new employees, and the legacy of excellence that you leave with us as you depart. For all this and more, thank you so much.”

Was this a “self-absorbed monologue?” Did I rob the retirees of their recognition? No. But you know who did? The writer of that letter, making it all about the recall. I’m proud of our retiring employees and I’d like to thank you all for the selfless dedication you’ve shown to our students and their families. My best wishes to you all for your retirement.

Eric Lawson

Alpena County