Highland Park Elementary School teachers were surprised by retiring fellow teachers, Debbie Richter and Marilyn Nelson, and administrative assistant, Margaret Young, with a party in the library, Wednesday afternoon, June 16.

Richter, a special education teacher, has taught 21 years at Highland Park.

"It's time to say goodbye, said Richter, a Bellevue resident. "I've seen many students come and go. I'm going to travel. I have a new grandchild. This is going to be the next phase in my life."

"I'm going shopping when the stores are empty, and traveling when it's not tourist season," effused Young, who lives near the school, and still has a graceful North Carolina lilt even though she moved here 40 years ago. She was an office assistant at Highland Park School for six years before she moved into the Administrative Assistant position which she has held for the last 22 years.

"I plan to enjoy every single moment, and enjoy a lot of time in Ocean Shores kayaking," said Nelson. Nelson, who lives on Genesee Hill, is a third grade teacher, and also taught kindergarten at Highland Park School for 14 years. She has taught a total of 23 years at Highland Park. She said that, prior to having children, she taught eight years at Schmitz Park School.