After 35 years teaching in Lake Orion schools, Marion McGraw will not spend her summer planning out the next school year’s lesson plans, but rather, kicking off her retirement.
McGraw taught first grade at Webber, Carpenter and, most recently, Pine Tree Elementary. For the last six years, Pine Tree has been her home and on Thursday, her past and present Pine Tree students gathered around her to offer her well wishes and to take a picture to commemorate the occasion.
‘I thought I would make it through, but I’ve cried more today than I ever have,? said McGraw.
Through her 35 years of teaching, McGraw has taught over 1,000 students.
‘This is my joy,? McGraw said. ‘It’s not just my job ? it’s my joy.?
She said that while she will miss teaching, she is looking forward to spending some time being a grandmother and relaxing with her husband, retired Lake Orion High School teacher, Jim McGraw.
‘We’re going to actually spend some time together during the week,? she said with a laugh, adding that they are also planning a trip to Ireland.
McGraw has also expressed an interest in teaching classes in the Howarth School, a community project that her students helped raise funds for this year, which will allow her to continue her love of teaching.
‘Marion was always a teacher that gave her heart to all students,? said Lake Orion Superintendent Christine Lehman. ‘She cared deeply about each one and worked to challenge them to do their very best.?
‘Her room was always filled with so many projects, centers and teddy bears and a great deal of love for her job, Lake Orion but most importantly her students,? Lehman added. ‘She will be greatly missed.?
Pine Tree Principal Diane Dunaskiss said that if any of McGraw’s former students would like to write a letter to her, they can send them to Pine Tree Elementary, 590 Pine Tree Road, and the school will get them to Mrs. McGraw.