Dedicated educators served students for combined 193 years
LA CENTER — The La Center School District is honoring six veteran teachers set to retire at the end of this school year: Walt Shucka, Perry Calabrese, Joyce Mosby Stewart, Colleen Wing, Teri Newman, and Treasha Reser have served students for a combined total of 193 years.
“These fantastic educators have provided so much to our district over their careers. Each one has had an immeasurable positive impact on thousands of students”, said Dave Holmes, superintendent of La Center School District. “Their positions will be filled but their long-lasting influence on our students and community will not be forgotten.”
Walt Shucka leads the group of retirees with 40 years of teaching experience, all in La Center. Shucka began his career in 1978 when the entire district was located on a single campus. He currently teaches math, Algebra, and Geometry at La Center Middle School. Shucka is an avid La Center sports fan and coached middle school basketball for several years. Shucka is looking forward to cheering on the district’s teams throughout his retirement.
Perry Calabrese, La Center Middle School band director, has served the students of La Center for the past 18 years. Calabrese has directed bands and taught music successfully in both Washington and Oregon over his 33-year career. Under Calabrese’s direction, the La Center Middle School band program has had great success, always ranking among the top three bands at the Lower Columbia River Music Educator Association festivals.
Joyce Mosby Stewart began teaching Home Economics in Alberta, Canada in 1972 prior to relocating to the West Coast. Mosby taught in California and Oregon before settling in southwest Washington, where she has served the students of La Center for the past 23 years. Mosby is known for her cheerful adaptability to serve students at any grade level and has taught at the elementary, middle and high school.
Colleen Wing began her 30-year teaching career in Vancouver and has served the students of La Center since 1992. Wing served as a classroom teacher and in the Learning Assistance Program before taking on her current role as the teacher for the Accelerated Club for Education (A.C.E.). Wing played a vital role in the success of the district’s Title I and LAP programs.
Teri Newman joined the district in 1992 at La Center Middle School before transitioning to the high school, where she now teaches Physics, Marine Biology, and Zoology. Over the course of Newman’s 29-year career, her dedication to providing a rich science experience to her students has fostered their successful pursuit towards a variety of STEM-related careers.
Treasha Reser began her teaching career in La Center in 1990 and currently teaches Physical Education at La Center Elementary School. Reser led the highly successful annual Bobcat Walk/Run and the school’s Green Team for several years.
Retirement celebrations are currently being planned to honor the service of this dedicated group. For specific information on individual celebrations, please visit the La Center School District website (www.lacenterschools.org).
