ROCK SPRINGS – Students cheered and teachers let out a deep breath as summer vacation took hold of Sweetwater County School District No. 1 on Thursday. For some, it is a much needed three month break but for others, Thursday is a day they will never forget.

The halls of Walnut Elementary were lined with teachers and students Thursday afternoon as they made the day one Renee Schroeder will never forget. The event marked the final day for Schroeder as she started her retirement. Wondering why her colleagues had her sitting in front of the office with two bowls of water, her questions were soon answered as one by one, each student of Walnut Elementary came around the corner with a flower and a hug.

For 23 years, Schroeder has been a big influence in many lives in this community. With tears in her eyes, she said she was overwhelmed but still managed to take one final shot at her fellow employees.

“I’m the only one who gets a hug from every student in the school,” Schroeder said with a big smile.

As she fought back tears, she said she sincerely appreciated everything.

For many of her colleagues, strong emotions also poured out. Kerrie Cherry has worked with Schroeder for three years.

“She made a huge difference,” Cherry said. “She was so very supportive and gave this school a ton of structure.”

For Jody Collins, she has been by Schroeder’s side for over 10 years.

“She made a tremendous difference in all the children’s lives. Even in some adults also,” Collins said. “She made us all ‘stop and think’ and she is going to be missed a lot. We all love her so much.”

At other schools, award assemblies and fun activities dominated the day. At Desert View, students who earned enough points in a year long reading were presented gift certificates. Desert View gave out $1,300 in certificates to 70 students.

Thursday also marked the end of Principal James Etherington’s career with the district. He said you never really know what kind of an impact you had but shared an emotional moment for him this week.

Etherington said he had a former student stop by his office with a card of appreciation for him. It was from a student he taught 28 years ago in Superior. The former student is now finishing up her Master’s Degree.

“It is rewarding to see the success,” Etherington said. “It’s just so rewarding to see people’s lives blossom.”

Rock Springs Junior High Principal Tina Johnson said this year was a wonderful year with an amazing group of kids.
Johnson said RSJH increased technology this year while also seeing test scores in reading and math go up and discipline referrals move downward.

“It has been an amazing year,” she said.

Teachers were not the only excited party Thursday as you could see the energy the students had.

Walnut first grader Kimberly Barnes said she had a lot of fun playing with her friends this year and added she will miss her friends and teachers.

Classmate Teagan Wanuska said her favorite part of the year was writing. When asked what she will miss most, Wanuska did not hesitate. “I will miss Mrs. Wendling,” she said.

The district also said goodbye to another important figure in Principal Randall Wendling. Wendling said he would like the parents of students at Independence High School know their children had a great opportunity to receive a quality education from a very caring staff. A staff that took the time to work with each student and work to meet each student’s needs.

Wendling said one of the biggest milestones for Independence High School this year was the fact they are getting a brand new building next year. He said not only will they finally have their own building, which they have not had, it is also located at Western Wyoming Community College.

“What a great partnership to have,” Wendling said.

What Wending said he will take away from his years in the district is the fact education is still the “best game in town” and added it is the most important stop in a child’s journey through life.

Both Etherington and Wendling echoed each other when they spoke about what they will miss. Each one said they will miss working with the staff in the district but mostly will miss the interaction with a great bunch of students.