As the school year of 2014-15 fades away, the memories and relations formed during it will be the only record of its existence. For three retiring Wenatchee High School staff members, this is their last year of high school forever.

In a hallway in the far corners of the school, a petite, cramped office can be found, providing refuge from the hectic outside world of WHS. In that office, Special Education Para-Educator Nancy Jagla sits behind a computer typing away.

The responsibilities Jagla has are many: job coaching, mentoring the students in ‘real-life’ experiences, and being devoted facilitator.

Working in the Special Education department  is a tough job for anyone, but to enjoy it so much to stay with it for 20 years is something Jagla takes pride in.

“Personal needs,” Jagla said when prompted to explain why she was saying farewell. She also included that her husband had been in an accident that demanded Jagla’s full time assistance. “I’d do it forever if I had the energy to do it,” Jagla said, “you guys [WHS student’s] keep me young.” Although very excited to spend time on the ranch she and her husband maintain, she is hoping to come back and substitute at WHS and help with work experience for the Special Ed.

Sitting in an empty classroom playing on an iPhone, social studies teacher Jay Young can be found. In 1968, the year Young started teaching at WHS, cellphones weren’t even created yet. 47 years WHS has held down Young as a recurring social studies teacher.

“I have basically been teaching for six different decades,” Young said. Noticing the change in student is what has kept Young though. “I love this place, I could probably do it longer but I need to do other things.” Young will be stay as the bowling coach for the upcoming year.

When asked what he was most excited for about retirement, Young gave a plethora of trips he and his wife plan on taking. Starting with an 8 week truck across the U.S., and ending with a 6-7 week stay in Europe, Young is excited to visit his birth place in Germany.

“I’m healthy, knock on wood because you don’t always stay healthy,” Young said. With his health, Young explains he needs to get out and see the world some more and that’s just what he’s going to do.

Muscles car fill the parking lot as a young Steven Sears’ graduates WHS. The year is 1971 and the world is his. But why leave the place he loves? Taking up a job at WHS as a Special Ed teacher has fulfilled 16 of Sears’ years, and he’s ready to say goodbye one last time.

A big spacious room with photos lining the walls protrudes a happy atmosphere as you walk into Sears’ classroom. “I am a relationship kind of guy,” Sears said, “I will miss the relationships made with students the most.” That’s not hard to believe as Sears has conducted a children’s book and as a retiree looking forward to getting illustrations and publishing concluded.

Sears is involved with the Washington Youth Academy, and mentors students. He will be involved with that in the year following his retirement. Not only does he enjoy working with students, but he is also has a passion for classic cars. Owning five classic cars himself, he plans on finishing up renovating the last two of his five. When asked what he’s most looking forward to, Sears exclaimed: “attending mini car shows”

With two sons getting married to their loved ones within the year, Sears picked a good year to retire as he hopes to become a grandpa. “I have a degree in Elementary Education, working with little kids is something I enjoy.”

All three faculty members will be missed deeply. As their next step in life continues beyond the reach of these halls, we all offer our utmost gratitude and dearest wishes.