When a teacher at HHS retires, especially one that has been there for many years, I can't help but think about the amount of knowledge and experience that is leaving the building. A younger, newer teacher will take over and have knowledge, may even have the same amount of knowledge, but will never have the same experience without, well, experience.
When those teachers retire, I can't help to believe that our school is a lesser place because of it. How do you replace everything that an experienced teacher takes with them? It can't be done. So all you can hope for is that when it happens that the new teacher is able to close the gap quickly. But when it comes down to it, within a few years that new teacher becomes THE teacher. Not the person who replaced a legend/icon, but is now that to a few graduating classes.
The same can be said about death. Maybe even more so. You hope that the knowledge that a person accumlates over the course of their life is passed down to children, grand children and maybe even great grand children. Which they will pass on to future generations. But how could you ever replace being able to call or call on an older person with their knowledge and experience?
Take the time to learn all you can from those who came before you. Take the time to recognize the importance of those who came before you. Finally, be thankful if people recognize you for all you have done to help them or the institution.
