The Mercer Island School District honored its 2016-17 retirees at a celebration May 31 in the Mercer Island High School library.

Carol Burdett, a Lakeridge paraeducator hired in 1994, was first hired to work in the special education resource room. She then went to West Mercer as a parapro in preschool helping students with autism, before moving back to Lakeridge.

Roger Curtis is retiring after 32 years as a custodian with the district, remarkably all at Islander Middle School, where he served during the many renovations, additions and changes to the school.

Karen Danklefsen, a speech and language pathologist at West Mercer hired in 2011, has written over 1,500 IEPs in her career.

Ginny Hardman, a Lakeridge teacher hired in 1993, was first brought on as a paraeducator at West Mercer and Lakeridge reading specialist. The Learning Support Program has been her joy, and she has taught well over 500 students and watched the program expand over the years.

Mj Hillstrom, an MIHS counselor hired in 2004, began her career 40 years ago as a choral music teacher before becoming a counselor. She has been the go-to person when it comes to college admission and application information.

Leela Mathur, an MIHS paraeducator hired in 2001, has served students with learning disabilities in the resource classes.

Ann Meisner, the athletics and facilities coordinator at MIHS, was hired in 2003. After 22 years with the Stroum Jewish Community Center, Meisner spent 14 years of dedication to the MISD athletic community, advocating for the athletics program and helping events run smoothly.

Don Papasedero, an MIHS teacher hired in 1996, taught PE at Mercer Island for 20 years. He also coached sports at MIHS, most recently girls golf, and at local schools around the region for decades while teaching a full load of classes. He taught English for 14 years in other districts before coming to Mercer Island, and especially loved teaching Shakespeare.

Dr. Gary Plano was hired in 2005, and has served as superintendent of the Mercer Island School District since September 2007. He spent his first 20 years in public education in Washington state with the Mukilteo School District beginning in 1980, initially teaching elementary education with special-needs students, and then high school English, before becoming an administrator. School Board President David D’Souza cited Dr. Plano’s many achievements on Mercer Island, including establishing the Superintendent’s Diversity Advisory Committee, creating the Pathfinder Awards to honor distinguished alumni and successfully passing the bond issue to build Northwood Elementary and expand IMS and MIHS.

Elizabeth “Izzy” Rosane, a West Mercer teacher hired in 1997, enjoys projects that nourish students’ creative instincts and promote their academic learning. First grade has been her passion, supporting nearly 400 West Mercer students. Her involvement in the district began as a mother when her daughter, Olivia, attended Mercer Island schools.

Kathleen Stearns, an MIHS counselor hired in 2009, has made a huge impact on the counseling program, helping students come up with solutions for any issues they have faced.

Tom Tivnan, a West Mercer teacher hired in 2006, graduated from MIHS in 1968. He went to UW and did his student teaching at Island Park, and spent the next 15-plus years at St. Monica on Mercer Island. In 1989 he accepted a teaching position with the Issaquah School District, spending 23 years in that district. For the past 11 years, Tivnan has been back on the Island at West Mercer. He has taught 5th grade and most currently hi-cap 3rd. Tom has taught 44 years and nearly 1,000 students in his career.

Barbara Tivnan, a Lakeridge teacher hired in 1998, grew up on Mercer Island and started her teaching career in 1974, including a stint at St. Monica, where she taught 5th and 3rd grades. She taught at Emmanuel Day School for nine years before getting a half-day kindergarten job at Lakeridge. She then taught all-day kindergarten and 1st grade before moving up to teach 2nd grade. She also as advisor to the K-Kids.

For more, see www.mercerislandschools.org.