After graduating from SAHS in 1963, I attended Lock Haven State College where I received my B.S. in Biology Education. From there I went to Glens Falls, NY where I taught high school biology for two years. While back in Smethport, I got a call from Louis Danielson asking if I would like to go to a party near Kane. There I found the love of my life, Darlene Ritter to whom I have been married 35 years. I then went to Indiana University of PA to get my physics teaching certification, but decided to try teaching at the junior high level first. At that time I found a job in Monroeville, PA (outside Pittsburgh) teaching Life, Physical, and Earth Science. It turns out I liked it so much I stayed there for 33 years getting my M.S. in Education plus 60 credits and retired in 2002.
During that time we had two boys, Rob and Mike. Rob works with an architectural firm in Monroeville, has a beautiful wife Kerry, and two boys, Collin and Logan. I have a plaque in the kitchen that says "Grandchildren are God's Gift to You for Not Killing Your Own". I never really wanted to kill mine, but grandchildren are the best. Mike and his beautiful wife Shannon live in Bel Air, Maryland with Nicholas and Julianna (more of the greatest grandchildren in the world of course). Mike teaches advanced placement statistics and is the computer coordinator for Loch Raven High School. Shannon is assistant principal in Deer Creek, MD.
Those of you who have retired from teaching know the best thing about retirement is Sunday night. No lesson plans to make! I volunteer my time as a docent at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, deliver Meals on Wheels, sing barbershop harmony, transport dogs and cats to an from the veterinarian for Animal Protectors, and play with my grandkids as much as possible.
I would love to hear from any of my old classmates (do you believe most of us will be 60 this year if not already?). Our class seems to have become complacent about reunions, so this web site is a great way to get caught up after 42 years. You can reach me at: RParker173@aol.com.
See the rest of the Class of 1963