Four Kennett High educators honored as they begin new chapters
Marty Beech (from left), Mike King, Connie Logan, and Jane Stoutland show of one of the signed prints of the school they each received at their retirement luncheon.
Kennett High School (KHS) bid a fond farewell to four teachers who retired this past academic year, representing 113 years of service to the Kennett Consolidated School District, district officials said Wednesday.
The 2013 KHS retirees – Marty Beech, Mike King, Connie Logan, and Jane Stoutland – were feted at a luncheon last month at the Kennett Country Club, including a program that mourned their loss but celebrated their future. The event was organized by Sunshine Club co-worker Christine Wilson, a member of the English Department, and Kennett Country Club member Alicia Tamargo, a member of the Mathematics Department. The four retiring educators received signed and matted sketches of Kennett High’s grand facade.
The district offered the following synopses of the four teachers’ storied careers:
Marty Beech taught music and life lessons to elementary, middle and high school students throughout his 39-year career at Kennett. His expertise in stringed instruments and his gentle spirit encouraged many students through their “squeaky” beginnings to excellence in the Kennett High School Orchestra and String Ensemble. He mentored many students through private lessons and group practices to qualifications to district, regional and state orchestra slots. This year, the Kennett Education Foundation recognized Beech as Kennett High School’s Teacher of the Year.
Mike King, chairperson of the Special Education Department at Kennett High School, came to Kennett after several years of service at the Chester County Intermediate Unit. His special gift to Kennett: his caring and generous spirit. A “gentle giant’ to his students and his colleagues, King led the KHS Sunshine Club to respond to needs of teachers, students and families in the District. In just one day this spring, the Sunshine Club raised over $2,300 to respond to district families displaced by a fire. King’s white pickup truck has been the delivery vehicle for food and money donated by the Kennett Education Association to the Kennett Food Cupboard, and he often reached into his own pocket to help students down on their luck or temporarily displaced. A strong advocate for children, teachers, and fairness, King served as a representative to KEA and was a finalist in the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards during his career.
Connie Logan spent 20 years as a teacher in the district, the last several of which at Kennett High School as director of the Title III Mathematics Program. Prior to that, she directed the 21st Century Grant Program. Throughout her years, Logan worked with gifted students at both the elementary and high school levels, most recently helping students to prepare and present projects in their areas of interest at the high school. She also coordinated the ACCESS program for English language learners within the English as a Second Language Program in the district.
Jane Stoutland, chairperson of the Social Studies Department, spent 18 years at Kennett High School. She taught Advanced Placement U.S. History as well as Psychology and Sociology within the department. Stoutland also successfully coached the Girls’ Tennis Team through district and league championship games. In addition, she mentored students in special projects within their gifted education programs. Stoutland, always a gracious presence in the school and a lively hostess, has been emulated by her students and colleagues.
