Saturday, May 21, 2011

A Proper Farewell

Nearly two months ago, I told you about the best teacher I ever had.  Following that post, I had a bit of a panic because my blog was found by someone in my hometown.  He posted it to his Facebook wall and a Facebook group dedicated to Mr. Barnard, and in the next few days alone, nearly 150 new people visited my blog (or so says Google Analytics). Though I never intended for my blog to be widely followed, it seems fitting that it was the post about Mr. Barnard that got me all of the extra attention.

Anyway, tonight was Mr. Barnard's surprise retirement party.  This has been an extremely busy few weeks for me, and I had already made trips home for Easter and Mother's Day.  Going home a third time within a month's time is almost unheard of for me, but there was no way I was going to miss this party.

It was a lovely event hosted at the Country Club by several people from within the community, and it was made possible by generous donations of money, food, and time.

It seems that Mr. Barnard was, in fact, surprised:


There was a short program to kick off the evening.  First, Mr. Barnard opened his mystery gift:



A 55" flat-screen television for his new home.  So much money was donated toward this gift, that they created a fund so that the extra donation money would be given to the high school agriculture education department in his name.

Next, Mr. Barnard was presented with an FFA jacket, signed by everyone who was in attendance that evening.


Finally, he was presented with a scrapbook full of pictures and stories that community members and former students had submitted.


Sarah, one of the key event planners, read a brief summary of Mr. Barnard's career, and also shared with him Legislative Resolution 172, which reads:

ONE HUNDRED SECOND LEGISLATURE
FIRST SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 172
Introduced by Carlson, 38.

WHEREAS, Dave Barnard, a teacher at Superior High School, is
retiring after a 33-year teaching career; and

WHEREAS, one of Dave Barnard's many achievements during his long and distinguished teaching career is the improvement that he has brought to the Superior FFA Chapter through his leadership and work as an FFA advisor; and

WHEREAS, when Dave Barnard first came to Superior, the Superior FFA Chapter did not receive much recognition. Through Dave Barnard's hard work and dedication, the Superior FFA Chapter is now one of the most recognized chapters in the state after having earned numerous local, state, and even national awards throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his hard work and dedication, Dave Barnard was named the 2011 Nebraska FFA Advisor of the Year during the 83rd Annual Nebraska FFA Convention held in Lincoln, Nebraska.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, FIRST SESSION:

1. That the Legislature congratulates Dave Barnard on his retirement and for being named the 2011 Nebraska FFA Advisor of the Year.

2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to Dave Barnard. 


I don't know if our legislature makes a habit of formalizing teacher retirements, but if they don't, I'm glad that they did for Mr. Barnard.

Finally, Mr. Barnard said a few words.  In true, Mr. Barnard fashion, he came up with the perfect words of thanks, gratitude, and reflection.


It was made very clear that the majority of the evening was to be spent sharing stories, conversing, and giving Mr. Barnard a proper farewell.

And that, we did...




Farewell, Mr. Barnard.  You will, indeed, be missed.

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