The coronavirus pandemic didn’t stop students and staff at Tamarack Elementary School from holding a celebration for Donna Howard’s retirement after 28 years at the school.
The faculty at Tamarack prepared a car parade for Howard’s retirement party Tuesday afternoon. People showed up in droves at the front of the school in what seemed to be a never-ending line of cars that stretched onto the street.
“I’m ecstatic, but I’m very sad too that I’m leaving my home,” Howard said. “It’s just the right time (to retire). It’s time to start spending time with my family. I’ve been at this for a long time.”
Howard sat the school’s front entrance, surrounded by balloons, banners and her family as people drove by honking their horns, waving posters and shouting “happy retirement” and “I’m going to miss you so much.”
“I knew it was going to be like this, I wasn’t surprised at all,” said Mark Howard, Donna’s husband. “She has this effect on everybody.”
A banner separated Howard and the people in the cars because of social distancing rules. Howard blew air kisses and gave air hugs to those who showed up.
Principle Carrie Munsey said teachers met at a parking lot behind the school and decorated posters, balloons, their cars to show Howard support. Some brought gifts that were all handed over to Munsey, who was wearing gloves and a mask for safety.
“I’m going back to my other home to rest for a little bit, but I’ll be back,” Howard said with a chuckle. “I have to start the next part of my life.”
