HOULTON, Maine — Nearly 100 people gathered May 16 to celebrate the 45-year teaching career of Greater Houlton Christian Academy teacher Susan Stewart. Friends, family, co-workers and students, both past and present, honored Stewart, who officially retired June 8.
Head of School John Bishop welcomed the group of well-wishers and praised Stewart as an “exemplary teacher” who would be greatly missed in the future. On behalf of the board and school, he presented Stewart with an engraved clock in honor of her service which read, “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love,” a quotation from the New Testament.
Stewart had been teaching at GHCA since 2008, but her history at the school goes back to its beginnings. She was one of the first teachers to join the school when it opened as County Road Baptist School in 1984, staying there until 1993. Over the years, she also taught at schools in Massachusetts and worked locally at Southern Aroostook Community and Mill Pond schools.
Another gift was presented that night by her current kindergarten and first-grade students. In appreciation for her love and support, parents, friends and church family of Stewart gave a specially engraved iPad.
But the night wasn’t all awards. It also included a time for sharing memories, extending appreciation and swapping stories.
“Susan’s life is a testament of not only being devoted to her students, but of letting go and living by faith that God’s perfect plan would be realized,” said Stewart’s nephew Hal in a special piece written for the retirement party. “I am so grateful to have been a small part of this adventure.”
James Gardner, pastor at Shiretown Baptist Church, addressed Stewart in a light-hearted poetic form.
“Sue, you’ve set many a young heart afire./You’ve led by example many lives to inspire./You’ve helped them to achieve and to aim higher and now you’re ready to retire,” he quipped.
Whether poem, prepared speech or impromptu memory from the audience, plenty were willing to share how their time with Stewart had changed their lives for the better.
Former student Amy Witmer of Linneus said in an interview that she was grateful to have had Stewart as her kindergarten teacher and thankful that her son Malachi also had same chance.
“It’s obvious that she loves the Lord and these children that she teaches that always made me feel really good when I dropped Malachi off every morning,” she said. “We are really going to miss her next year, but I’m thankful for the year we did have, as well as, the two years I had with her.”
Six-year-old Miles Berthiaume, who had Stewart as both his kindergarten and first-grade teacher, shared similar sentiments about the veteran educator.
“She’s really nice. I love her a lot,” he said. “If I find buried treasure, I would give her some.”
