Bennett calls it quits after 35 years


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Peggy Bennett who is a former Fitch High School teacher has since retired after 35 years of teaching poses in front of her home.

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Peggy Bennett who is a former Fitch High School teacher and has since retired after 35 years of teaching shows off her Falcon pride.

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Neighbors | EARTHA TERRELL.Austintown Fitch High School teacher Peggy Bennett (left) smiles with her husband Frank in front of their home.

By EARTHA TERRELL

eterrell@vindy.com

After 35 years of teaching inside and outside the classroom, Peggy Bennett is closing the book on her career as an educator.

“It was a bittersweet kind of feeling, but everything went well and it was a good year to go,” Bennett said.

Bennett has taught many subjects during her tenure, including cooking, science, sewing, consumer education and cheerleading. She also managed to help generate financial support for her school district, “I have been able to bring over $22,000 to the district for various programs,” Bennett said.

Bennett is the adviser for several programs, including Students Into Building Self Esteem (S.I.B.S), and is the current District Coordinator for Drug Free Schools.

“The Drug Free School program teaches kids prevention methods because you want to safeguard kids. There are so many outside influences that kids have to deal with now,” Bennett said.

Although she will miss being in the classroom, Bennett is looking forward to enjoying more free time.

“Retirement is like a new beginning and it’s a chance to explore different things that I didn’t have time to because I had to be in the classroom,” she explained.

Spending more time with her family, new career opportunities and traveling are on Bennett’s to-do during retirement.

“I want to be a party planner and maybe a travel guide, too. But in the meantime, I am going on a cruise in July for my 25th anniversary with my husband and my kids,” Bennett said.