Carpenter Principal Rose Edwards has spent her entire adult life working in Lake Orion, and now, after over 30 years, she’s retiring.
‘This is the only district I’ve ever worked in,? she said.
Edwards did her student teaching with a second grade classroom at Blanche Sims, and then, at the age of 21, got her first job teaching fourth grade at the school. After teaching for 13 years, she was appointed principal at Webber Elementary, and then, 12 years ago, was appointed to start the year-round elementary school at Carpenter.
Edwards said she’s thankful of all the opportunities that she has been given in Lake Orion, and notes that she has many wonderful memories for her time here. One of her favorites is when Carpenter received their Blue Ribbon Exemplary School award.
‘Of course, I’m a little biased,? she said with a laugh, ‘but that was very gratifying for all of us.?
It’s not just good memories and good relationships that Edwards found in her time in Lake Orion schools, but also a husband. In what she calls a ‘chance meeting,? she met her husband, Mike, when he was a band teacher at Blanche Sims. They’ve been married for 31 years.
‘He’s wonderful and has always been tremendously supportive,? she added.
With her retirement (Mike retired from Lake Orion two years ago), the couple plans on doing some traveling. They have an extensive road trip planned for out west during August and September, as well as plans to go on a cruise and visit Europe next spring. Edwards said they’ll also spend time at their home in Florida, ‘especially in the cold winter months.?
Edwards also plans on picking up a few of her hobbies that have been ‘put on the back burner.?
‘I’ve wanted to take a photography class for years,? she said, ‘but they are always at night.?
She tried to sign up for a class one time, but since a lot of Edwards? evenings are spent at school-related events, she would have had to miss several of the classes. But that’s no longer, so Edwards said she will be signing up for a class, and perhaps others through Community Education.
And while Edwards is excited for retirement, she said she will miss her students, staff and parents.
‘I’ve been so fortunate to work with the most wonderful kids, extremely supportive parents and such dedicated, caring staff members,? Edwards said.
‘I love my kids, I love the staff and I love this building,? she added. ‘There’s never been a day when I didn’t want to be here.?
Because of Edwards? happy times at Carpenter, she hopes that Carpenter students, past and present, look back at their time there with warm feelings and go on to achieve wonderful things.
‘I just want them to find success in their hearts, whatever their definition of success is, and just to feel good about themselves,? Edwards said.
‘Each of them is a unique, special individual and I always wanted them to remember there is nobody else in the world quite like them,? she added.
Edwards also had warm things to say about the Carpenter staff, which she deemed ‘exemplary.?
‘They know how much I care about them and that I have tremendous respect for them as such talented, dedicated individuals, and I know that they will continue to do what they have always done ? to put kids first,? she said.
As Edwards says her good-byes and looks forward to retirement and traveling, she does so knowing Lake Orion will be the home to which she comes back.
‘I may be leaving Lake Orion schools, but Lake Orion will always be a part of me,? she added. ‘It stays in your heart.?