Celebrating a Legacy of Dedication
Honoring our Retirees
“Celebrating a Legacy of Dedication: Honoring Our Retirees”
Brian Irwin
- Years of Service: 47
- Schools & Assignments: North Daviess, Southwest Sullivan Jr High Math Teacher, Cisco Networking, Technology Director
- Favorite Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
- Most Rewarding Aspect: The privilege to serve students, staff, and administrators—and to see the fruits of that help in their lives.
- Memorable Moment: Seeing how helping someone can truly make a difference.
- Words of Encouragement: Work hard, keep the faith, pray, and know you're changing lives.
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: Willing to help anyone succeed—no matter the cost.
Wes Wilkes
- Years of Service: 45
- School & Assignments: Head Custodian at Carlisle Elementary and Middle School
- Most Rewarding Aspect of Working in Education: Creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for students and staff. "Working with kids has kept him young."
- Memorable Moment: When kids would come back after they graduate and thank him for what he did for them while they were in school.
- Words of Encouragement: Treat the kids like they are yours.
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: "As the big guy" at school or "grandpa"...as the kids called him.
John Gettinger
- Years of Service: 43
- Schools & Assignments: Southwest School Corporation and Southwest Parke
- Favorite Quote: “You are only as happy as you want to be.” – Abraham Lincoln
- Most Rewarding Aspect: Seeing kids grow and mature.
- Memorable Moment: Former students expressing their love for his class.
- Words of Encouragement: Enjoy!
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: Hardworking and fun.
Jeff Miller
- Years of Service: 41, plus 25 years on Shakamak Board
- Schools & Assignments: Southwest Sullivan and Southwest Dubois
- Favorite Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
- Most Rewarding Aspect: Daily interaction with kids.
- Memorable Moment: Former students thanking him for making a difference.
- Words of Encouragement: Don’t get discouraged—you’re in the greatest profession.
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: Kind, compassionate, and caring.
Kathy Elliott
- Years of Service: 41
- Schools & Assignments:Southwest – High School and Middle School Health; Middle School PE and Computer/Typing; Jr. High and Varsity Basketball; Varsity Softball and Track & Field
- District #20 Lawrenceville, IL – High School Girls’ PE; JV/Varsity Basketball & Softball
- Favorite Quote: “One will not remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you treated them.”
- Most Rewarding Aspect of Working in Education: The connection with the students and my school family.
- Memorable Moment: Several students have thanked me for teaching them typing skills or introducing them to sports. I also cherish the photos shared by my students wearing Reds gear or attending games.
- Words of Encouragement: Set up a Roth account if you don't already have one. Have plenty of patience and understanding. Teaching is a great career, and I would choose it again!
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: Fair, but firm.
Doug Boyd
- Years of Service: 38
- Schools & Assignments: Linton High School, Union High School, Sullivan High School – Math, Coaching, Athletic Director
- Favorite Quote: “Winners never quit, quitters never win.” / “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
- Most Rewarding Aspect: The camaraderie with students, teachers, and administrators.
- Memorable Moment: A heartfelt letter from a student’s parent after geometry class.
- Words of Encouragement: Make every day count—it goes by too quickly.
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: As a caring teacher and coach who created a positive learning environment.
Pam Tucker
- Years of Service: 35 years working as a teaching assistant in four corporations
- Schools & Assignments: Tri-West Hendricks, Decatur Township (Indianapolis), Vigo County, Southwest Sullivan – Teaching Assistant
- Favorite Quote: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” — Dr. Seuss
- Most Rewarding Aspect of Working in Education: Seeing all the progress children make every year.
- Memorable Moment: Just having fun with kids during kickball and dodgeball.
- Words of Encouragement: Have fun and make the most of your time.
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: Fun and kind.
Carole Andre'
- Years of Service: 33
- Schools & Assignments: SWSC and Linton-Stockton – Resource Room, Elementary, Life Skills
- Favorite Quote: “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain
- Most Rewarding Aspect: Building strong bonds with students and staff.
- Memorable Moment: Receiving graduation announcements from former students.
- Words of Encouragement: Be flexible—education is full of ups and downs.
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: I did the best I could.
Terri Roberts
- Years of Service: 30
- Roles: Vincennes Community School Corporation – Title I Teacher; Southwest School Corporation – Paraprofessional, Coach, Sullivan Elementary Assistant Principal, SWSC Grants Coordinator/Corporation Testing Coordinator, Sullivan Middle School Principal
- Favorite Quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- Most Rewarding Aspect of Working in Education: Building meaningful relationships and making a lasting impact on students’ lives—not just academically, but personally. Watching students grow into confident, kind, and capable individuals is the true reward.
- Memorable Moment: Terri supported a student through his early academic struggles from kindergarten to second grade. Years later, his mother—battling a private fight with cancer—sought Terri’s reassurance that her son would be okay. After her passing, the student held onto the slip of paper with Terri’s phone number through high school. Though he never called, he sent her a graduation announcement years later. They reconnected, and he shared how that small gesture made a lasting impact. That memory stands as a testament to the quiet but powerful influence of belief and support in a child’s life.
- Words of Encouragement: Welcome to the most challenging and most rewarding work you’ll ever do. Teaching isn’t just about content—it’s about connection. Build relationships first. Be consistent, respectful, and know that growth takes time. You will have hard days, but you have the power to change lives. Celebrate the small wins—they are often what students remember most.
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: As someone who led with heart, believed deeply in the potential of every student, and showed up—for kids, staff, and families—with commitment and a willingness to grow alongside them.
Paige Shake
- Years of Service: 29 years teaching, 3 years as an aide
- Schools & Assignments: SWSC and Warrick County – Reading Recovery, 5th–8th grade
- Favorite Quote: “Have an attitude of gratitude.”
- Most Rewarding Aspect: Watching students succeed and grow into adults.
- Memorable Moment: Former students recalling class moments and quoting her years later.
- Words of Encouragement: Stay relevant and build connections with students.
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: As fair, attentive, and truly invested in learning.
Starla Kuppler
- Years of Service: 25
- Schools & Assignments: SWSC and GSSEC
- Favorite Quote: “You are not finished when you lose. You are finished when you quit.”
- Most Rewarding Aspect: Making a positive impact and encouraging students.
- Memorable Moment: A grateful hug from a parent after a conference.
- Words of Encouragement: Take care of your mental and physical health.
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: As a kind person with a ready smile.
Lynn Norris
- Years of Service: 20
- Schools & Assignments: Sullivan Middle School, Northview HS, Sullivan HS – History, AP, Dual Credit
- Favorite Quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Thoreau
- Most Rewarding Aspect: Building relationships with students and sharing in their daily lives.
- Memorable Moment: Hearing students say, “I kind of like history now.”
- Words of Encouragement: Ask for help—students know when you love what you do!
- How I Hope to Be Remembered: As someone who cared deeply for students and loved her job.
Randy Hamilton
- Years of Service: 17
- Role: Maintenance Supervisor
- Favorite Quote: “Get the job finished.”
- Most Rewarding Aspect of Working in Education: Making sure the schools were comfortable for students and staff.
- Memorable Moment: Keeping all the schools operating smoothly on a daily basis.
- Words of Encouragement: Never let the amount of work get you down.
- How I Hope to Be Remembered:Hardworking and dependable.
Southwest School Corporation Sullivan, IN
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