TORRINGTON – Nearly two-and-a-half centuries of experience was recognized during a retirement reception ahead of the Goshen County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday evening.
Dave Burrill, with 41 years of experience, teaches sixth-grade geography, as well as coaching eighth-grade boys’ and girls’ basketball at Torrington Middle School. His favorite memories from the last four decades include accounts of how he has positively affected students in achieving success later in life. Burrill plans to return to school and pursue a master’s degree in his retirement.
“When I think about Dave Burrill, I think about somebody that I truly respect,” TMS Principal Marv Haiman said at the reception. “I consider Dave a mentor. He walks the talk.”
Haiman went on to describe Burrill as “one of those people that goes the extra mile,” and, “one of the great voices of reason at TMS … his leadership has been greatly appreciated.”
Tim Eisenbarth has 36 years of classroom experience in Goshen County, and teaches fourth grade at Southeast Elementary.
“I loved teaching the kids,” he said. “It’s very rewarding to see someone learn something for the very first time. The staff at Southeast is amazing – they made my job lots of fun.”
In his retirement, Eisenbarth plans to farm and ranch with his son and son-in–law, in addition to fishing, playing golf, and touring the state of Wyoming.
SE Principal Randy Epler said Eisenbarth has provided “excellent instruction” to students over the years.
“Tim is a people person. He has a stellar record as a coach … I don’t think there’s a junior high coach in the world that can stack up to the record Tim Eisenbarth has … he’s a great guy. We’re going to miss him – he’s one of the people that have made Southeast a great place to live, work and play for the last 35 years.”
Rod Weyrich has driven school bus in Goshen County for 25 years.
“I had the opportunity to drive my own daughters throughout their school years, as well as many other students,” he said. “I have driven a route, as well as (for) multiple activities. I have also enjoyed watching many of the very talented students and athletes over the years at many events locally, in our regional and at state events. I have made a lot of very good friends with coaches and parents throughout the years.”
With his retirement, Weyrich hopes to travel and spend more time with his grandchildren, parents and wife.
Becky Reyes, who has worked in GCSD for 22 years, teaches kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary.
“Watching the academic and social growth that takes place over the nine months that I have the (children)… is amazing,” she said of what she’s enjoyed most in her career. “Making new little friends each year and watching them grow up and become adults. I even get to teach some of my students’ own children. That is always a special bond. The blessings that teaching has provided me with and all the love and memories will always remain in my heart.”
Lincoln Elementary Principal Nyana Sims spoke about Reyes’ “great ideas”.
“She’s always a true leader for her team,” she said. “We’re going to truly, truly miss her.”
Lynn Margheim is also currently at Lincoln Elementary, but has taught at Torrington High School and TMS. She has worked in the area for 19 years. As a special educator, she said she teaches a little bit of everything. For the most part, however, her days are centered around first graders and their activities.
“I’ve most enjoyed the variety of educators I’ve been able to work collaboratively with in order to better teach our special-needs students and help them to be most successful, not only in increasing their academic skills, but in everyday life,” Margheim said.
Margheim plans to travel, “not only to see friends that I’ve not seen for several years, and family, but just for fun. My husband and I like to explore new places and there are places we will revisit as we weren’t able to get everything in when we were there previously.”
“She’s done a great job with her little ones,” Sims said. “We’re going to miss Lynn.”
Other retirees who did not return questionnaire requests include teachers Charlie Meier, 45 years; and Sarah Williams, 40 years; and Jon Moore, who has worked as district maintenance staff for 14 years.
