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Published May 04, 2010, 12:00 AM

Photo Gallery: Goodbye Mrs. Walen


She was still answering phones and taking messages up to the last minute before the last hour of school at Westside Elementary was dedicated to her, secretary Joyce Walen, the only secretary the district has ever employed to date there. Walen is surrounded by bouquets of flowers at her desk sent and presented with best wishes for her retirement, which officially began after the close of school on Friday, April 30. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photos

  • She was still answering phones and taking messages up to the last minute before the last hour of school at Westside Elementary was dedicated to her, secretary Joyce Walen, the only secretary the district has ever employed to date there. Walen is surrounded by bouquets of flowers at her desk sent and presented with best wishes for her retirement, which officially began after the close of school on Friday, April 30. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photos
  • Walen was told Westside custodian Dave Gunnes had taken the day off from school to prepare for the fishing opener. Walen was surprised to see him at the school near the close of day after all. Here, after presenting Walen with a floral bouquet, he places a tiara on her head. Vera Roy Stoeberl photos
  • “Your carriage awaits, my lady,” said custodian Dave Gunnes, who assisted Walen onto the cart and special throne and then pushed Walen down the hallway towards a bunch of enthusiastic children, teachers and staff. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photos
  • Nothing but well wishes are extended to Walen, who makes her way in her “carriage” down the hallway. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photo
  • Hands touch and high fives are exchanged. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photos
  • High fives are exchanged and hands touch. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photo
  • The student body with teachers, staff and visitors await Walen for a special program held outside. Vea Roy-Stoeberl photos
  • All of the children were given their own copy of “Mrs. Walen on a Stick” faces to display and to wave. Some added their own personal touch by coloring the picture. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photos
  • Student Jack Porter presents Walen with a gift certificate. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photo
  • Walen reacts to a gift certificate she is more than happy to receive. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photos
  • Walen stands with her family members and Principal Mike Ballard, listening to the crowd singing music in her honor. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photos
  • Student Zach Hadzima, at the microphone, reads some statistical information about Walen to the crowd: Walen has been with the district for over 40 years; she’s the only secretary Westside Elementary School has ever known; she’s performed the daily announcements at Westside 14,760 times. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photos
  • Music teacher Peggy Krasin, in foreground, leads the crowd during a musical tribute to Walen, leaving “not a dry eye in the house.” Vera Roy-Stoeberl photo
  • Members of Westside’s Student Council present their special gifts to Walen. They include, from left to right: Calla Dexheimer, Kelsey Schneider, Principal Mike Ballard, Autumn Cernohous, Sophie Langlois and Jack Porter. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photos
  • Larry Walen, Joyce’s husband, escorts her down the sidewalk to a waiting limousine. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photos
  • Walen sits in the limousine waiting for the rest of her family to join her. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photo
  • As the limo drives off, Walen waves to the crowd. Vera Roy-Stoeberl photo