As May continues and the school year slowly treks toward its end, five long-time members of the staff will be retiring.
Working as an art teacher and Head Boys’ Soccer Coach Chris Cobb taught at the school for 28 years. Before becoming a member of Creek, Cobb interviewed for the opening boys’ soccer coach position and was hired. After retirement, Cobb will travel and step into a full-time position as Worship Leader at his church.
“I love to watch kids change through the years and grow up,” Cobb said. “I love being a part of their success in life.”
Since 2007, Catherine Donahoe has worked at the school as the principal’s administrative assistant. After retiring, she and her husband are planning to relocate to be more available to family, as well as dedicating more time to sewing and golfing.
“The best part of working at Creek is the family atmosphere among the staff,” Donahoe said. “As well as the legacy of being the oldest and still best campus in CCISD.”
For 22 years, Christine Fanders has taught Child Guidance I and II at Creek. A Creek alumnus herself, Fanders found herself back at the school as a Family and Consumer Science teacher in 1990. She later taught at Clear Brook High School Little Friends Preschool, before coming back to Creek in 2003 to take over the Trooper School after her mentor decided to retire. During her own retirement, Fanders plans on quilting, scrapbooking, and mentoring the next Trooper teacher.
“It is true, ‘Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat,’” Fanders said. “In teaching at Creek I have had the opportunity to teach my own children, both in the Preschool and in the high school classroom.”
At the school for 20 years, Bridget Robinson taught Yearbook, Newspaper, Commercial Photography, Journalism, video, communications, and also teachers to use technology in their classrooms. After retiring, Robinson plans on remaining in the district as a substitute, volunteering in her community, and traveling.
“Creek is a family, and I have been blessed to be a part of it,” Robinson said. “The students I have taught have made an imprint on my heart and I will always carry a part of them with me.”
For the last 10 years, Carol Wahl has worked in CCISD, beginning as a substitute teacher. After completing her library substitute training, she discovered that she enjoyed the position. Following an opening on the staff, she applied to be a part of the library and made the team. During her retirement, she is looking forward to spending time with her grandson, children, and in-laws in Norway.
“I have really enjoyed all the interaction with students,” Wahl said. “It is so nice to make connections with our library family.”
While these educators will all be missed, they will remain a part of Creek’s history as impactful to the staff and student body as they continue to be active members of their community.
