ARCOLA — It was a special day at Arcola School on June 25 when students received their awards and a celebration was held for the retiring Kevin Hengen.
The event began with principal Ron Wardrope introducing the students who received the honour roll and high average certificates. More than 40 awards were given for junior and senior students in many categories.
Hengen started as a student at the school and once he graduated from Grade 12, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a teacher. The elder Hengen was the principal in Arcola in 1974.
His first job as a teacher started in Wolseley in 1995. He then went to Arcola School later in 1995 to teach mathematics and science until 2005.
Hengen became the vice-principal of Arcola School from 2005-2007 and the principal at Stoughton Central School from 2007-2008, when he took the Arcola principal position and remained there until 2015.
After this, he took on a superintendent position with the South East Cornerstone Public School Division until he retired in 2025.
Just before Hengen came to the stage to speak, the Grade 1 students had a special song for him, and the Grade 3/4 class read a poem written just for him.
He was still wearing his Class of 1990 jacket, which he thought still fit him well after all these years.
“Once a Panther, always a Panther,” said Hengen, referring to the school's team name.
He was happy to attend Arcola School as a student and later taught some of the current teachers there.
He appreciated the large turnout and their support at his event.
Hengen said he has had a lengthy career with memories that will last a lifetime, and he is happy to have had the time at the school that he attended as a child.
Everyone was welcome to stay for a social after the ceremony and enjoy cupcakes made by Cathy Burton.
