What a gift to have had a pair like Mace and Janet Brady teaching in our schools. Both are skilled and highly educated teachers with a good measure of practical experience. They not only brought their passion for education into the classroom, but to their fellow teachers and staff. Each worked in different schools in the district and in many roles. A sample: For a time, Janet Brady worked with special education students, and Mace Brady took part in the extensive planning for the remodeling of Islander Middle School in the early 1980s. As a part of the Mercer Island School District team, they served on a myriad of committees and projects; celebrated the bonds they have with their fellow educators; and always went the extra mile to reach out to students and their parents — whether or not it was at school or an impromptu conference at QFC.

Gone with them will be an important part of the institutional memory that is important for any organization or community. It is hard to find anyone who is not sad about them leaving.

No doubt, their relationship with each other has served as an example to others. It is to their credit that they have found the influx of new staff and younger administrators as invigorating and valuable to their growth as teachers. We wish them the best in their new adventures. We hope to see them back occasionally with the young teens who they obviously relish working with, and with their fellow educators once more.

Other expert educators retiring this year include Lakeridge Principal Ralph Allen, who already came out of retirement once to lead the elementary school. He handled many issues with care and skill, including the kidnapping of a student in April 2007. Another retiree is Gordon Davenport, who developed the Chinese language program at the high school into a powerhouse and a must-have class for many students.

Our thanks to all of them.