In the School District of Lancaster, we often say that our people are our greatest strength. That truth was on full display during this year’s Annual Retirement Dinner on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at The Warehouse in the Cork Factory Hotel. It was an evening where we gathered to celebrate a remarkable group of staff members whose careers have helped shape the heart of our district.
Superintendent Dr. Keith Miles welcomed retirees with an invitation to reflect not only on years served, but on the impact made. “Tonight is a time to honor your contributions,” he shared, “and to express our deep appreciation for the ways you’ve helped move our school community forward.”
And what a group it is.
Together, the 2024 retirees represent 694 years of service to the School District of Lancaster. That number isn’t just about time. It reflects thousands of students taught, supported, and encouraged. It reflects long days, challenging moments, and the kind of consistency that makes a difference not just for a school year, but for a lifetime.
These are the educators, paraprofessionals, office staff, and support personnel who stood by our students through some of the most defining events of the last few decades, from Y2K and the tragic events of 9/11, to the 2008 housing crisis and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through every era, they adapted. They stayed. They showed up when it mattered most.
Among this year’s honorees, two individuals were specially recognized for more than three decades of service:
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Ms. Melba Durant, who spent 39 years as a library and multimedia paraprofessional at McCaskey East. Her presence in the library wasn’t just about books, it was about creating a space where students could explore ideas, find comfort, and be seen.
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Ms. Jeanne Oakes, who served for 40 years as an English Language Development teacher at Burrowes Elementary. Her work helped bridge gaps, not just in language, but in connection and ensuring that new students and families felt welcomed and supported.
These stories are powerful on their own, but they’re also part of something larger. This year’s retirees represent every corner of our district: elementary schools and high schools, classrooms and cafeterias, offices and hallways. Their roles may have varied, but their purpose was shared: to help our students succeed and to make our schools places of belonging and learning.
Throughout the evening, one thing was clear: the strength of our district has always come from its people. Many of these retirees became mentors, sounding boards, and trusted colleagues. They celebrated with us during moments of growth, and they stood beside us when things felt uncertain. Their presence created the kind of environment where others could thrive.
As a small token of appreciation, each retiree received a personalized picture frame, a professional portrait, and a thoughtfully arranged bouquet. The flowers were chosen intentionally with white daisies for new beginnings and the joy found in simplicity, and yellow sunflowers for loyalty, warmth, and the steady light they’ve shared over the years.
Dr. Miles concluded the evening with a moment of humor and sincerity: “As you enjoy your morning cup of coffee at home in mid-August, when the rest of us are returning to work, please know that you are missed.”
Retirement marks the end of a chapter, but it doesn’t close the book. The stories written by our retirees live on in the students they taught, the colleagues they worked with, and the culture they helped build. Their legacy is not defined by a single achievement, but by the daily choices to care, to work hard, and to lead by example.
As Dr. Miles shared in closing, “We are who we are as an organization because of YOUR kindness, dedication, and love for our school community.” It is not just the work they’ve done, but the way they’ve done it, with patience, grace, and care, that leaves a lasting legacy.”
To each of this year’s retirees: thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve given, for every extra mile walked, for every student you believed in, and for every time you made someone feel seen.
You will always be part of the School District of Lancaster. For more photos, visit us on Facebook.
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