AUBURN – An overflow crowd of friends and colleagues met at Martindale Country Club on June 15 to pay tribute to Tina Vanasse, an Edward Little High School teacher retiring after 40 years as a math teacher/tutor in the Auburn School system.

A graduate of the University of Southern Maine in 1966, Vanasse began her teaching career as a ninth-grade math teacher at Walton School. She later joined the staff at ELHS, where she participated in the ELF Woods Team for 10 years.

A grant writer, Vanasse procured funding for educational technology and advancement. She is ending her career at ELHS as head of the math department.

At the guest of honor’s table were close friends and relatives. Vanasse was joined by son, Aaron, and his wife, Melissa, who traveled from Arkansas for the occasion, and daughter, Tonya Hicks, and her husband, Kevin. Grandchildren Seth Hicks and Harrison, Anna Claire and Sara Kate Vanasse were also present

Lorna Hansen began the evening by offering the blessing. MCs were Jennifer Braunfels and Erin Towns, Al Harvie and Val Brown. Skits reflected Vanasse’s career in education: past, present and future. Other teachers on the program were Ryan Laroche, Brian Flynn, Nick Chovanes, Shelley Mogul, Candy Gleason, Tracy Finnigan and Principal James Miller.

Vanasse was presented with a special edition ELHS ring customized for her years of service to Auburn’s students.

An all-Edward Little music group, the Folkaires, whose members are Mike Dunn, Steve Clark, Mike Shannon, Shawn Rice and Darren Leighton, played traditional and Celtic music. Brian Flynn also entertained with original blues songs from his just-released CD.

The event was planned by Shannon Reed, Cynthia Bosse, MaryBeth Galway, Tracy Finnegan, Val Brown and Maureen Edgerton.