ABOVE: Marilyn Fritzinger, middle, and Ross Long, right, hold their celebratory plaques while Mark (Rex) Hernes, left, chooses to hold the cake thanking all of the retiring teachers this year at an event at Fairmont Elementary School on Monday.

FAIRMONT – Three teachers were recognized for their service during Monday’s Fairmont Teachers Union meeting.

Every year, the union honors a retiring teacher, Friend of Education and Outstanding Union Member.

This year the retiring teacher honored was Mark (Rex) Hernes. He began teaching in the fall of 1993 and has been at Fairmont since 2001. Over the past 32 years, he has taught junior and senior high math. Hernes said it was hard to describe how much being recognized meant to him.

“I’m just so grateful to all the students, all my colleagues,” he said. “It’s awesome. It’s been such a blessing to be part of this group.”

Special Education Teacher Kristi Bulfer, who led the meeting, said Hernes has always been humble and positive.

“If you’ve ever met him, you probably have a million things yourself to say,” Bulfer said. “Recognition for the appreciation of the mindset he brings to this whole career. It can be daunting and challenging. No matter what, he always comes out with something positive and brings some hope to his heart.”

Marilyn Fritzinger was given the honor of being Fairmont’s Friend of Education after 15 years of substitute teaching for the school district. Special Education Teacher Joelle Thomas prepared a statement in honor of Fritzinger’s work.

“Marilyn is always willing to substitute teach for any teacher, no matter the challenge,” Thomas wrote. “She goes above and beyond to ensure that all students are supported, acknowledged, seen, heard and most importantly, loved.”

This shone through in Fritzinger’s work with the marching band. Every first and second hour in September, Fritzinger worked with the band on their flags, rifles and batons. Fritzinger even went the fiery extra mile.

“In order for students to participate in fire-twirling, parents have to sign a permission slip,” Thomas wrote. “They each get to spend time with Marilyn in her front yard twirling fire.”

Fifth-grade teacher Ross Long was chosen as the Outstanding Union Member. Bulfer said Long has been an exemplary example of a model union member.

“Long is always communicating for us, to us, within us, without being asked or expected to,” Bulfer said. “He cares a lot about our job, our career and our rights.”

Each winner was given a plaque commemorating their success, and celebratory cake.