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Retirement party
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Mandy Treharne (seated left) has taken the place of Susan McGee as director of Serendipity Christian Preschool. McGee served as the school's director for 25 years.
After more than two decades as an educator, Susan McGee has decided to call it quits.
Since its founding in 1983, McGee has had a hand in the teaching and development of Serendipity Christian Preschool in Boardman. After serving as a teacher for the school’s first three years, she took her role as an educator a step higher by becoming the director. But after 27 years, she has retired from this position.
“It’s been a great ride, what more can I say,” McGee said.
Teaching was something McGee always saw in her future. She only gave herself a couple career options to choose from.
“There were two things I’ve always wanted to do — be a famous ballerina or a teacher and I am too short to be a ballerina,” she joked.
Deciding to remain at the preschool level was not a hard decision for the teaching veteran. She enjoyed the little things like watching the youngsters get excited when it snowed and conversing, nonstop, about a story from storytime. “Everything is just so delightful with them,” she said. “They’re so loving and open, almost like little sponges.”
McGee liked to introduce their growing minds to different aspects of the world in a creative ways through the use of nature. On several occasions, students would participate in tree bark rubs, planting and digging for earthworms. The preschool also has a land lab where students can learn about animals, insects and other aspects of nature.
McGee didn’t have to look far for a suitable replacement. When Mandy Treharne came to enroll her daughter at Serendipity, McGee knew she would be perfect for the position because she was so inquisitive in regard to the school’s program.
Not to mention, she was one of her former preschool students.
“There was only one other parent I have felt was interviewing me, I was really impressed with the questions she was asking,” McGee said.
They have been working together the past few months preparing for the transition. Treharne said she is a little nervous, but is excited to begin a new chapter in her life.
“I have very big shoes to fill, but Susan is a really great mentor and I have been picking her brain for every little bit of information that I can,” she said.
With more time to spare, McGee plans to become more involved with church activities at Westminster Presbyterian Church, spend quality time with her grandchildren and visit elderly residents in her community.
The church will be hosting an open house in honor of her dedication to teaching Jan. 16 at noon.
McGee plans to serve as the Serendipity’s substitute teacher in January, and said she is always available when the school needs her.
“I’m just a phone call away,” McGee said.