West Junior High music director Brookshire retires after 16 years
Jack Brookshire, 56, retires as instrumental music teacher at West Junior High after 16 years. His final concert on May 6 at the Lied Center featured his students debuting there, with Brookshire reflecting on discipline, confidence, and the joy of teaching music to lively, supportive seventh graders. He will teach privately and perform with bands while traveling with his wife and awaiting their first grandchild.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jack Brookshire
Brookshire
West Junior High School
Lied Center
Commerce
Okla
Mickey Mantle
Adair
Baldwin
Chillicothe
Bob Foster
Kansas University
Foster
West
Hillcrest
Deerfield
Jazzhaus
Jack and the
Candlecticks
Rene Knobber
Journal-World Photo
Principal Haworth steps down after 12 years at Woodlawn
Principal Gary Haworth, 58, will retire at year end after 12 years leading Woodlawn School and briefly Grant. He cites burnout and frustration over district disputes, including the late decision to reverse closing plans for Grant and East Heights. Haworth plans travel, golf, and possible future work, emphasizing a wish for a leader who cares about students, staff, and parents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Richard Gwin
JackNat-Worlh
Gary Haworth
Woodlawn School
Haworth
Elm
Woodlawn
Grant
Eeawn
Koch .Crime Commission
Mary Gordon teaches visually impaired students for 42 years
Mary Gordon of the Lawrence school district began teaching physical education in 1968 before switching to visually impaired students. She led annual ski trips to Colorado for 20 years, funded by local service clubs, and plans a gradual retirement while continuing part-time mentoring for students across ten schools.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mary Gordon
Lawrence
Gordon
Colorado
Aspen
Reception to honor Lawrence school district retirees
Lawrence school district to honor retiring staff at a 4 p.m. reception at South Junior High School 2734 La. The event recognizes educators with 25 years of service and other district retirees.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lawrence School
South Junior High School
Retirement marks new path for WJHS nurse Skeet
Martha Skeet, long time school nurse and nursing coordinator, retires after a 26 year tenure at West Junior High and multiple district schools. She recalls joining in 1962 and emphasizes health education and prevention, nutrition, smoking risks, and first aid skills as core to her work. Skeet plans new directions while reflecting on decades of service and impact.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gordon
Asa
Quail Run
Martha Skeet
Skeet
West
Central
South
Nurs
West Junior High
Dan
Also Mentioned on This Page
J.D. Boyer
Dylan Hilpman
J.D
Kate Myrick
Julie Seidel
Julie
Wood
Mike Yoder
Levi Hellyer
Cordley School
Caroline Trowbridge
Journal-World
WJHS
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