March 21, 2013
03/22/13 After 33 years of service to the Plymouth Community Schools, Sharon VanMeter has decided to retire. VanMeter has been a familiar face and voice to thousands of students, parents, teachers, school staff and other community members since 1980. Van Meter reflected on her time with the corporation saying, “I began my journey with Plymouth Schools in 1980 at Jefferson Elementary as a corporation teacher’s aide and then school secretary. In 1994, I transferred toPlymouthHigh Schoolto the secretary position.”
Over the years, VanMeter has worked for principals Jack Davis, Jim Bishop, Larry Pinkerton, Dick Tobias, and currently Jim Condon along with several assistant principals. Among the assistants that she served with is the current Superintendent Daniel Tyree.
Pinkerton said VanMeter is “something special” and has been dedicated and outstanding. Pinkerton said, “She has been all things to all people and touched the lives of a lot of kids, administrators and teachers.” He remarked that her training of student helpers for the office has been invaluable. Tobias praised her efforts as well. He said, “She is a person who loves doing her job and is above all dependable. She is task master and will stay with a project until it is completed.”
Condon has also appreciated all of VanMeter’s contributions. He said, “She really has a positive attitude with the kids and their education has been a wonderful administrative assistant. She models the core values we stress at PHS.” “She is student centered and always concerned about helping others.” he said. “She has been an important part of the success of our operation and will be missed.”
Van Meter said, “PHS has been a great place to work because of the people here-the administrators, teachers, staff, and students.” But her interaction and service to the schools didn’t stop with her daytime secretary duties. VanMeter has helped the athletic department with the girl’s basketball and girl’s volleyball as clock/scoreboard keeper, sold tickets at home football games, and participated on several school related committees.
She said she would encourage others to work in a school setting. Van Meter said, “It has been a great place for me to work. If someone enjoys being around young adults and working in an office where “no two days are the same”, then a school office is the place to be.”
After keeping a busy schedule for many years, VanMeter said her plans for retirement are to not be on a schedule. She said, “I do plan to enjoy spending more time with my two grandchildren,-Jake and Olivia- inIndianapolis.” Van Meter and her husband Dudley are the parts of Lisa and spouse Chris of Indianapolis and Chad of Warsaw.
She will be retiring in April of this year.
Carol Anders Correspondent