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Longtime Eugene Ware teacher to retire
A longtime local music educator received an emotional sendoff on Thursday afternoon, just hours before directing her final school program.
Following a rehearsal for Thursday evening's choir program, a tearful Billie Jo Drake and the entire student body at Eugene Ware Elementary School paid tribute to music teacher Charlotte Swaim, who is retiring at the end of this school year after 33 years at the school. Drake, Eugene Ware principal, shed a few tears while reading a poem about Charlotte, while each grade of students took turns singing a special song to the longtime teacher.
Charlotte, whose husband Larry is also a longtime educator in Fort Scott, said she's opting for early retirement simply because "I need a change."
"When you are this for 30-some years, you just don't get enough new ideas and material to come to you," she said. "I just simply need a change."
Charlotte said she's enjoyed her long career at Eugene Ware and added she will miss the many people, including students, she has worked with over the years.
"A lot of really good people have come through here," she said. "I've had some lovely, lovely children. They're so appreciative of everything you do. And the teachers are all so competent and dedicated."
Drake, who learned of Charlotte's early retirement plan in early January, said the only music teacher she has known in her tenure there will be hard to replace.
"The kids loved her, she loved the kids, and she did a great job," Drake said. "She's just awesome, and she'll be missed."
Charlotte said her favorite part about teaching has always been seeing the students' reactions during their music classes.
"I think the best part is getting the feedback from the kids, seeing their smiles and their energy, and just having fun with them," she said. "I think music can be therapeutic, and if there's a kid having a bad day, we can maybe change that a little."
Along with singing songs to their departing music teacher, many of the students also shared a hug with her. It was a show of appreciation that Charlotte said touched her heart.
"That's just what it's all about," she said. "I'm not just a teacher, but I hope I'm also a good friend. It's funny, but when I first started here, I kind of felt like a mother figure to the kids. Now, it feels like more of a grandmother figure. But I've also tried to be a good friend."
The tribute to Charlotte after the Thursday afternoon rehearsal was supposed to be a surprise, but Charlotte did admit that she had an idea something was going to happen.
"Kids in kindergarten and first grade aren't that good at keeping secrets," she said.
Charlotte said she will still stay involved with the school district during her retirement. She said she would like to serve as a substitute at Fort Scott schools, as well as possibly Uniontown. She also said she will do some traveling with her husband.
"And I'm going to spoil my grandchildren," she said.
She added she's also going to start a children's choir at the First United Methodist Church, and may try to start a bell choir in Fort Scott.
"I'll be plenty busy," she said.