Big crowd turns out for veteran teacher’s send-off
By Samantha C. DePoy
Staff Writer

FARMINGTON – It’s a tricky task to overwhelm a veteran kindergarten teacher who has seen it all.

But in the W.G. Mallett School cafeteria Friday night, Kathy Knight just about had her socks knocked off when a crowd of almost 200 people showed up at her goodbye bash.

The party had been in the works since October, said organizer Renee Blanchet, president of the Mallett School Parent Teacher Association. Knight is retiring for medical reasons after teaching at the K-3 school for 18 years and SAD 9 for 33 years.

The gathering, which included Knight’s family, friends, co-workers, parents and students, brushed off the dismal downpour and turned out to pay tribute to her with dinner, song and the retelling of three decades of memories.

A silent auction and raffle, including prizes donated by area businesses and community members, raised $5,000, which was given to a bowled over Knight to help pay her medical expenses.

“The way this community feels about Kathy,” said Blanchet, “well, there are no words to describe it. She is the most humble, compassionate woman you have ever met. There wasn’t one place we went to and asked for donations that said ‘no.’ Everyone who knows this woman loves her.”

Lovely party

As the supper wore on, event-goers took the microphone to thank a lady who was noted by speakers as being filled with courage, faith, love and genuineness.

Through it all, Knight sat at the head table, her head bowed as she was overcome with the words of kindness that left the majority of the room searching for paper napkins and hankies to brush away their tears.

Even her 5- and 6-year-old students took the opportunity to say thanks. One by one, they stepped up to the front of the room and grasped the microphone in their tiny hands and told Knight they loved her. Some even pleaded for her not to leave. After each student spoke, Knight squatted to give them a warm hug.

“She is a role model to us all,” said fellow teacher Lisa Warren. “She’s never said one negative word about any child who has been through here, even when she has wanted to pull her hair out. I want to thank her for the wonderful love and energy she has given all of us.”

That sentiment was echoed by school Principal Melvin Burnham, who has worked with Knight for three years. “She’s a wonderful person. She’s a loving caring individual and she’s going to be missed. But, she deserves her retirement.”

Burnham said the party was appropriate for a woman who has given so much of her energy to her students. “She’s a lovely person and it’s a lovely celebration. You can just feel the love in the room.”

Teaching with heart

Knight admitted she was a bit overwhelmed by all the fuss.

“It was beyond anything I can put into words,” she said, holding her check and fighting back tears. “The thing that moved me the most was the children because that’s what my life has been all about. The love that came out was so overwhelming. I was just so touched by this community. After report cards go out, I’ll have a lot of thank-yous to write. Everyone should have a party like this.”

Her secret to teaching is to teach with “gentleness,” she said. “I teach them more than academics, I teach them how to be good citizens. If they get a good start in kindergarten, that makes all the difference the rest of their lives.”

The students have taught her more than she has taught them too, she said. “They taught me to enjoy every moment, and just take joy and pleasure in every single second.”

With just a week of school left, Knight said she just wants to savor the last moments of being in the classroom. “I am just going to sit back and love those children. Just make learning fun and love those kids.”

sdepoy@sunjournal.com

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