As with the end of every year, it is time to say goodbye. For some, this goodbye is permanent but marks the start of a new chapter of their lives. This year, Art teacher Joanne Bare and Counselor Michael Wilson are retiring. They have dedicated countless hours and days to helping their students become the best that they can be.

Teaching at Hereford was bound to bring with it many life lessons, wisdom, and memorable moments for Bare and Wilson.

“Having the opportunity to talk to students and discuss their individual college and career goals, social issues they might be going through- just working with students in general has been a wonderful experience [for me],” Wilson said, “I always appreciated each student’s uniqueness, their distinct personalities, and their charm.”

“I have made lots of good memories but am sad to be leaving,” Bare said.

However, there will also be things that will be missed.

“I’m going to miss the chance to have that contact and exchange with students,” Wilson said.

“The people! There are so many wonderful people at Hereford—the teachers, secretaries, guidance counselors, administrators, nurse, custodians and the kids! I’ll miss everyone!” Bare said, “But I won’t miss making lunch at 5:30 and eating it at 10:30 a.m.”

With their newfound free time, Bare and Wilson will be engaging in various activities.

“[I am] planning on doing some light traveling and am looking forward to not having to adhere to a specific schedule,” Wilson said.

“I’ll be traveling and painting, taking classes, studying my Greek, spending more time in San Francisco with my daughter and her kids, spending time in the Bronx and Manhattan–my brother in law was just appointed Dean of Albert Einstein College of Medicine so I’ll have a free place to stay in NY! And who knows what else!” Bare said.

Bare and Wilson have had an impact on many students throughout their careers.

“[Mrs. Bare] has helped us both inside and outside of school with developing our art skills and developing as a person,” Katie Conover (’20) said.

“He was always a person I could talk to if I had a problem, it was just really easy to talk to him, even when we were just talking about my problems he would always find something to cheer me up,” Phoebe French (’20) said.

Nellie Wissman, who worked in the special education department retired earlier this year. All the retirees will be recognized by the faculty at an end-of-the-year celebration.

In addition, Spanish teacher Colleen Duggan announced her retirement late last week.