ABOVE: Deb Heinrich, left, was recognized by Education Minnesota Fairmont as a Friend of Education while Chris Engelby, middle, and Louise Ostlie hold their clocks for their years of service as they were honored as retirees at an Education Minnesota Fairmont meeting on Monday. Engelby served 36 years as a high school gym teacher, while Ostlie was a science teacher.

FAIRMONT – Education Minnesota Fairmont honored retiring teachers Louise Ostile and Chris Engelby, as well as Deb Heinrich for being a friend of education, before their meeting on Monday.

Last year, Mark (Rex) Hernes was the sole teacher honored, while Marilyn Fritzinger was honored as a friend of education. This year, it was expanded to two teachers being honored alongside a friend of education.

While last year’s Outstanding Union Member winner Ross Long was meant to give the speech regarding the three awarded members, he was unable to make it. His remarks were read by second grade teacher and Education Minnesota Member, Missy Aukes.

First up was Heinrich, whom Aukes said is one of the first names she and Long think of when it comes to making a positive difference in education.

“Although she retired from her career as a physical education teacher, retirement certainly did not mean stepping away from serving others,” Aukes said. “In fact, Deb continues to be one of the most dependable and dedicated supporters of our schools. Whenever a teacher is in need of a substitute, Deb is often one of the first people willing to step in, whether it’s for a single day or a long-term assignment.”

In addition, Aukes said Heinrich is always ready to help and brings flexibility, patience and a calm presence that makes her an outstanding substitute teacher.

“Perhaps what stands out most about Deb, however, is her attitude,” Aukes said. “Deb is always smiling; she is always laughing. She has a remarkable ability to find the positive in any situation. In a profession where the days can sometimes be long and challenging, her optimism is refreshing.”

After receiving her plaque, Heinrich said she is also accepting the award in honor of all the other substitutes and volunteers who help students and staff.

“Thank you to everybody,” she said. “Thank you for the fun times I’ve had with them, and I look forward to continuing that.”

Next was Louise Ostlie, who has taught science at the high school for 20 years. To be honored in this way is something she said means a lot.

“I’ve had such a good group of colleagues to work with in my science department,” she said. “I think it means more when I have kids come back and tell me that they were able to be successful in college.”

As for why she’s retiring now, it boiled down to one simple fact for Ostlie.

“Because I’m able to do everything I could before, and I want to do things before I can’t do things,” she said.

Engelby was recognized next for her 36 years as a high school physical education teacher, with Fairmont being the only school she ever taught at.

Recognition and celebration of her years of service to the Fairmont community are things Engelby has been hearing about from many recently.

“I think I’ve had so many people in the community congratulate me,” she said. “They’ve seen it in the paper, and it just makes me feel good that people really appreciate all the years I’ve put in. It’s nice to see former students, which I’ve had many students over the years, congratulate me, too.”

Regarding the future, Engelby has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

“I’m going to sub at the high school,” she said. “My mom is 80, and she lives on the farm in Eastern Iowa, so I’m going to go down once a month and help her on the farm. We’re going to try to go on a trip together to see my sister in Washington, DC. Do a lot of different things. My girls are going to be seniors in college, going to go visit them a little bit more. Looking forward to it.”

Lastly, there was one piece of business to settle. Having been the longest-tenured teacher, Engelby passed down her crown as the ‘top dog’ to Fairmont Elementary School Principal, Michelle Rosen, who has been in the Fairmont School District since 1992.

“She gets to carry this on until she retires,” Engelby said. “Then she’ll pass it on to the next person, so congratulations.”