Long time teachers leaving Wauneta-Palisade Schools

After careers lasting more than 20 years at Wauneta-Palisade Schools, five teachers are leaving the school.
Kristy Vapenik, Teresa Hayes and Sherri Schoenholz are retiring from the school district, while Aaron and Sara Behrends are moving to be closer to family.
Not an easy decision
Aaron and Sara Behrends have spent 23 years at WP.
Their three oldest children, including Olivia this year, have graduated from WP. Their youngest, Sonya, just completed her freshman year.
Sara said the decision to leave was excruciating.
While the Behrends have loved their time at the school, they decided to move closer to their parents.
Both have jobs in the Alliance school district.
    “We feel like it’s time to be more available to our parents, as there have been some major health concerns,” Sara said.
    After teaching instrumental music, physics and science classes at WP, Aaron will be teaching high school science and some science electives in Alliance.
    Sara will teach K-5 music full time after teaching elementary and secondary music at WP.
    “I just have great memories of the staff and students, who have all been awesome to work with,” Sara said, appreciating the support and flexibility the school provided.
    “Maybe this is a small school thing, but people are willing to help out, give you a student from their class who you need to have extra time with, etc.,” she added.
     Band trips, concerts and the school musicals are events the family will remember fondly.
Ready to enjoy family time
    Vapenik taught for 27 years, including over 20 at WP where she taught in the elementary and preschool, plus working with special ed students.
    “I have always said I didn’t want to be ‘that grumpy old teacher’ that taught forever,” Vapenik said.
    After deliberation, praying and soul searching, Vapenik decided to retire after meeting her Rule 85 requirements.
    She said her future plans include spending more time with her husband, Jerry, their grown children and their spouses, and most importantly, enjoying their 12 grandkids.
    Vapenik said she has many fond memories of WP and will miss seeing the WP staff and kids every day.
    “WP was the best move we ever made for our family. It was a great community to raise our kids,” she added.
    Schoenholz and Hayes will have their stories included in next week’s Republican.
    “I appreciate the time and  dedication these teachers invested to our awesome school,” Superintendent Randy Geier said, adding, their longevity is a true testimony that Wauneta-Palisade is a great school.  
    “They will be missed,” he said.