Goodbye Kaneland, Hello Retirement

From+left+to+right%3A+Diane+McFarlin%2C+Kurt+Green+and+Linda+Wilson+are+all+smiles+in+preparation+to+walk+the+falls+of+KHS+one+final+time.

Photo By Alex Malawski

From left to right: Diane McFarlin, Kurt Green and Linda Wilson are all smiles in preparation to walk the falls of KHS one final time.

By: Alex Malawski, Reporter

We have all had that one teacher who was our favorite. Whether it be a math teacher, a gym teacher or a counselor, there’s no doubting that we all have a favorite teacher. The sad part about having a favorite teacher is that they will eventually retire.

At the end of this school year, three teachers will bid adieu to the place they’ve worked at for so many years. Paraprofessional and testing center supervisor, Linda Wilson, communication studies teacher, Kurt Green and Assistant Principal for student services and special education, Diane McFarlin, will retire at the end of the school year.

There’s no denying that they will be missed. Paraprofessional Wendy Haacker who was the co-testing center advisor will miss her colleague very much.

“I don’t think that she [Wilson] can be replaced. They are very big shoes to fill, she will always be remembered,”  Wendy Haacker said.  

Wilson and Green have been educators at KHS since 1986.

Wilson left a impact at Kaneland that will be remembered by not only her colleagues, but students as well.

Special ed department chairwoman Sandy Faletto sheds light on the impact.

“If a student is going through a hard time, they will go to Mrs. Wilson if social workers and counselors are unavailable,” Faletto said.

Outside of working as Assistant Principal, Diane McFarlin works in the Kaneland theater community.  

McFarlin has been involved in theater for over 40 years. She plans on continuing that passion when she retires.

She has also been a mentor, motivator to her co-workers.

“She is always there when we need her. A great leader and always has our backs,” Faletto said.

Even though this is their last year educating, their impacts on those around them will be felt long after they have left.