Mabry is in the final days of his 41-year career

Inside Northmont

Farewell My Friends

As the dust settles on the 2007-2008 school year and my 41 years at Northmont, I continue to realize how important my friends are to me. A wise philosopher (my wife) recently told me how truly fortunate I am to have had so many acquaintances and made so many friends. The philosopher continued with the fact that most people never have the opportunity to see or know what people think of them. These kinds of thoughts and emotions usually surface only at the person’s funeral. I guess I am fortunate to have experienced the outpouring of emotions and well-wishes and didn’t have to pass on to get them.

This past month has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I made what was dubbed as a “farewell tour” to each of the buildings where I had a chance to talk individually with most of our staff. The thoughts that they conveyed brought back so many memories (both good and bad – but I surely won’t go into that). These were newer friends and some friends that go back to my early years of teaching. I will cherish your thoughts forever.

I also had the opportunity to interview and host a dinner for the “Best of the Class 2008.” I talked with our 20 Valedictorians and one Salutatorian and their goals and visions for their future are truly exciting. At the dinner, each of the “Best” introduced their parents and a “special guest” who included teachers or other staff members from elementary through high school who had a significant impact on their lives. The “Best” conveyed sincere appreciation to their parents and guest, which created another wonderful but emotional evening. I again am blessed for having these and thousands more of students as a part of my career.

The school year concluded with an experience that will live with me forever. Our staff traditionally comes together for our Green Pride assembly the morning after the last day for students. Besides the traditions of acknowledging our retirees, employees of the year, people with perfect attendance, and other special recognitions, suddenly the attention turned to me, which was truly not comfortable. In a video that was produced by our staff, we all had a chance to reminisce through my career and hear thoughts from my former students, friends, colleagues, and family (the great philosopher). My emotions were no longer just under the surface as they had been for weeks, but came pouring forth. I was sincerely speechless for one of the first times in my life. The outpouring of love truly overwhelmed me.

Now that I have had a chance to get away for a few days (my annual fishing expedition to Canada), I can reflect on what a truly fortunate man I am. I have a loving family, I’ve had a rewarding career, through the years I have had the opportunity to cross paths with outstanding students, and finally, I am truly blessed with my wonderful friends. Thank you all, and farewell.