Linda Farrell, an associate at Melcher-Dallas High School, has decided to retire after 19 years, and will be missed in her role. Over those years she took on the roles of librarian, lunch attendant, study hall teacher, and crossing guard.
Linda said after 19 years that she deserves to retire. After retiring, her plans are “Enjoying myself, doing whatever I want, not having to get up to an alarm.” Linda also said she would like to start traveling.
Linda made many memories over the years. One of her favorite memories was from the senior class of 2021. “The senior prank with all the cards. We still find them today, and it makes me smile,” she said. She had her share of good and bad senior pranks, but this prank in particular was her favorite.
Linda made many long-term friendships and strong impacts on our community. Teachers from Melcher-Dallas shared their favorite memories with her. Mrs. Suntken said, “My favorite memory with Linda is listening to the lunchtime stories and getting to talk to her every day.” They have been coworkers since the beginning of Linda’s career at Melcher-Dallas High School.
Another teacher, Mrs. Cox shared, “My favorite memory of Linda is when she was an associate in my classroom, and I would send her on a mission to pick up students who were not in attendance at school.” Linda started in the elementary as a preschool and kindergarten associate, before becoming Mrs. Cox’s associate.
Principal Abby Heaberlin observed Linda's dedication over the years to the school, students, and staff. “Linda is the first person when something is wrong to have a good plan to respond to a situation.” Mrs. Heaberlin explained how during one of her first years of teaching, she had a student whose mother passed away. She said how Linda was the first to come up with a way to help out by leading the organizations to help raise money for the family. “She is just always willing to help and put herself out there.”
Linda Farrell made lots of impacts on the school, students, and staff. Over the 19 years, she made many long-term relationships with people throughout the school. Her presence, and the important things she did for the school, will be missed.
Photo by Kianna Jackson