Last Monday, the staff and students at Daniel Axford Elementary declared first grade teacher Jane Coram ‘Queen for the Day.?
She recieved a beautiful crown to wear, was given colorful tissue paper flowers from students, sung to, recited poetry to, given a handmade quilt and if that wasn’t enough, she will even have a tree planted on the school grounds in the fall in honor of her.
Jane was given this special day not only because she’s a great teacher, but because this month marks the beginning of her retirement after 30 years of teaching, 24 in Oxford. And if that wasn’t enough, her husband Sam, who taught earth science at Oxford High School, is also retiring after 33 years, 32 in Oxford.
Jane, who grew up in Oxford, was born the first day of her dad’s first day as a principal. And where did he work? None other than Daniel Axford Elementary.
‘It’s just like a circle,? said Jane.
After her family moved to Novi and then to Manistee, Jane attended Eastern Michigan University and later Oakland University to do graduate work. She landed a job in Troy, where she met Sam through a mutual friend.
Sam had been born in West Virginia and moved to Troy when he was in the seventh grade. He attended Northern Michigan University and began doing full-time substitute teaching in Troy.
After a whirlwind romance, Sam and Jane got married in December of 1973 after knowing each other only six months.
‘It was love at first sight,? Sam said. ‘We knew right away.?
The Corams relocated to Oxford; Sam at the middle school teaching science and Jane at Lakeville Elementary teaching first grade. She eventually began teaching at Clear Lake Elementary and then finally at Daniel Axford.
‘My big goal was to someday be at Daniel Axford,? she said. ‘I’ve seen so many changes here, it’s been remarkable.?
Sam began teaching high school in 1975 and became a leading staple to the sports programs. He coached Varsity, JV, freshman and middle school football, basketball and even started the boys and girls soccer teams for the school. He has also been a class sponsor and an advisor to the environmental club and the disc golf club.
‘I’ve made wonderful friendships here in Oxford,? he said. ‘It’s been filled with lots of great memories.?
Somewhere between the busy school schedules and extracurricular activities, the Corams had a daughter, Lisa, 29, and a son, Michael, 27. Lisa is a doctor in New York City and Michael is a graduate student who hopes to get a job in hydrology or petrology.
At the ‘Queen for the Day? assembly for Jane, her father, Tom Culbert, spoke of her acheivements.
‘She became a teacher, then she became a very good teacher. And later, she became a good mother,? he said. ‘We’re just very happy that she’s had such a good career that she’s been able to help so many.?
Lydia Lopez-Engel, principal at Daniel Axford, got a little emotional when she spoke of Coram’s stay at the school.
‘You’ve been so much fun to work with. It will never be the same,? she said
The assembly wasn’t the only event marking the history of the Corams. A 70s-themed party was held by friends and family, complete with music from that era.
‘I love John Travolta,? Jane said with a coy smile.
After teaching so many years, the Corams said they had so much ‘teacher? clothing they decided to host the ‘Great Coram Giveaway’at the party and passed down their threads to their current staff.
When all the parties and excitement is over, the Corams said they will be selling their home in Oxford and relocate up to Manistee to start their retirement.
‘It’s hard to think that we’re going to be leaving Oxford, but we’re hoping to come back and visit.?
Jane plans on staying connected with children by helping out in the Manistee schools and Sam plans on helping his brother-in-law in the Upper Penninsula doing survey work. He also wants to work with his son in his field and take some time to fish. They both plan on being activly involved with the community in Manistee and plan to travel and visit their family and friends as often as they can.
The Corams both said they will miss their staff and friends greatly, but will also miss the challenges their jobs presented.
‘You’ve got all kinds of influences working on (students),? Sam said. ‘If you can get them to enjoy learning–that’s a big accomplishment.?
Jane said she’s going to miss the students the most because they made her smile every day. ‘First grade is an amazing grade,? she said.