On Monday evening, the WPS community came together for a heartfelt celebration to honor an extraordinary group of educators and staff members who are officially stepping into retirement. The celebration was filled with laughter, tears and nostalgic stories for individuals who have dedicated their careers to shaping the future of our students.

After walking down a red carpet and receiving an engraved globe, guests dined on shrimp cocktail, jalapeño poppers and chocolate covered strawberries, before visiting the honorees tables, signing memory books and snapping photos with fun props. “Tonight’s event had less people,” remarked Shaw Heights principal John Uridil, “but the energy and the flow felt more special.” 

Among the retirees are teachers who sparked a lifelong love of reading, counselors and therapists who guided students through their toughest days, and administrative and custodial staff whose tireless behind-the-scenes work kept our schools running smoothly and safely.

“I’m feeling a lot of different things right now,” shared Special Education teacher of 33 years Shari Hibberd. “Excited, scared, sad– I’m gonna miss my kids, I’m gonna miss my co-workers, but I think it’s time.”

While their daily presence in our buildings will be deeply missed, the impact they have had on thousands of students, families, and colleagues will be felt for generations to come.

Congratulations to all of our retirees! Thank you for your passion, your hard work, and your unwavering commitment to our schools. We wish you the very best in your next exciting chapter.

Our 2026 Retirees

• Alberta Villa-Hartman – Language Arts Teacher, Shaw Heights Middle School
• Beverly Decker – Special Services Teacher, Early Learning Center at Gregory Hill
• Jody Weidemann – Title I Teacher, Orchard Park Academy
• Tresa Murray – Classroom Teacher, Josephine Hodgkins Leadership Academy
• Anabell Mckee – Custodian, Shaw Heights Middle School
• Alison Mund – Assistant Principal, Metropolitan Arts Academy
• Carol Rivera – Classroom Teacher, Josephine Hodgkins Leadership Academy
• Gerald Rivera – Counselor, Sunset Ridge PK-8
• Martha Sabell – Special Services Teacher, Shaw Heights Middle School
• Lee Tomjack – CLD Teacher, Shaw Heights Middle School
• Margoth Aguilar – ELC Assistant, Early Learning Center at F.M. Day
• Christopher Byrd – Classroom Teacher, Westminster Academy for International Studies
• Michelle Ruzich – Physical Therapist, Special Services
• Derek Hawkins – Language Arts Teacher, Westminster High School
• Debra Kingsted – Special Services Assistant, Westminster High School
• Shari Hibberd – Special Services Assistant, Westminster High School
• Susana Zubia Lopez – Administrative Assistant, Learning Services
• Melissa Duran – Westminster Education Association President - WPS

Check Out the Photos