Courtesy of the Hollister School District:
The Hollister School District is delighted to share that two recent retirees, Kathi Sharp and Jeri Bonvie, have left a special gift for Maze Middle School students in the 2020-21 school year.
As retiring educators, their last official act was to devote three days in the school’s girls bathrooms. That might sound unappealing to the average person but it was a truly wonderful experience for Mrs. Sharp and Mrs. Bonvie.
Their project involved painting huge motivational messages on the bathroom stall doors. The messages read “Girls Can Do Anything”, “No One Ever Made A Difference By Being Like Everyone Else”, and “Be The Hero Of Your Own Life Story”.
As veteran middle school educators and parents themselves, both Mrs. Sharp and Mrs. Bonvie know that middle school students struggle with self-confidence, self-awareness, and belonging.
Superintendent Diego Ochoa said: “I am disappointed that Kathi and Jeri have chosen to retire because my children still have seven years before they enter middle school. Their retirement, while well deserved, is a true loss for all our children. If this project was their last act as educators, I say Bravo!”
Mrs. Sharp and Mrs. Bonvie worked for the Hollister School District for over 30 years each. Their careers were celebrated on June 11, 2020 at Maze Middle School in a ceremony led by Principal Diana Herbst. Both educators were feted with gifts and showered with praise by their colleagues. Superintendent Diego Ochoa said, “In a year where nothing remained “normal” it is somewhat fitting that these two outstanding teachers chose to spend their final days as educators leaving their students with a gift, as opposed to the other way around.”
If you have any questions, please email Superintendent Diego Ochoa at [email protected].
